How can we trust God's plan when relocating or facing life changes? Setting the Scene: Genesis 46:32 in Context “ ‘These men are shepherds; they have been raising livestock, and they have brought with them their flocks, herds, and all they possess.’ ” (Genesis 46:32) • Jacob’s entire clan is uprooting from Canaan to Egypt. • Joseph prepares Pharaoh to receive them, highlighting their calling as shepherds. • Behind this simple description is God’s sovereign relocation plan, already promised in Genesis 46:3-4. See God’s Fingerprints in Every Detail • The move began with famine (Genesis 45:11). What looked like crisis was actually divine steering. • God had positioned Joseph years earlier (Genesis 45:5-8). • In verse 32, even their vocation (“shepherds”) is part of the plan—God will use it to settle them in Goshen, a fertile yet separate land (Genesis 46:34). • Romans 8:28: “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” Hold to the Promises When the Zip Code Changes • Genesis 46:3-4: “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt… I will go down with you… I will surely bring you back.” • Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Jeremiah 29:11: He knows the plans He has for us—even when those plans include new terrain. Walk in Obedience, Not Fear • Jacob built an altar at Beersheba before traveling (Genesis 46:1). Worship first, logistics second. • Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust, acknowledge, and He will straighten the paths. • Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Embrace Your God-Given Identity on the Journey • Joseph didn’t rebrand his family to fit Egypt; he presented them as shepherds (Genesis 46:32). • 1 Peter 2:9: We are “a chosen people,” called to live distinctly wherever we reside. • Staying true to who God says we are guards us from compromise in new settings. Expect Provision and Purpose • Goshen offered pasture for flocks and a buffer from Egyptian culture—custom-tailored provision (Genesis 47:6). • Psalm 23:1-2: The Shepherd leads to green pastures. • Ephesians 2:10: Good works are prepared in advance; relocation often unlocks them. Living It Out Today • List God’s past faithfulness—He hasn’t changed. • Saturate decision-making with Scripture and prayer, as Jacob did. • Step forward, naming the move what it is: part of a bigger redemption story, not random chance. |
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