How can we trust God's promises in our own family situations today? Standing on the Promise in Genesis 46 : 22 “These were the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob—fourteen in all.” - One short verse, yet it quietly shouts, “God kept His word.” - Years earlier the Lord told Jacob, “I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth” (Genesis 28 : 14). Count the names in Genesis 46; the multiplying has begun. - The list isn’t trivia; it is a record of promises moving from spoken word to living people. Tracing the Thread of Faithfulness God’s promises to one man became security for an entire household. - Genesis 35 : 11-12 — “I will make you fruitful and multiply you.” - Genesis 46 : 3-4 — “Do not be afraid… I will make you into a great nation there.” - Exodus 1 : 7 — “But the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly.” - Joshua 21 : 45 — “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises… failed.” Every citation is a mile-marker showing that what God promises, He performs—no matter how much time passes or where life relocates the family. Why a Simple List Matters for Us - It proves God counts people, not just statistics; every name is a kept promise. - It shows He works through ordinary family lines, even ones marked by jealousy, loss, and relocation—exactly the issues modern families face. - It demonstrates that God’s plan weaves through both the dramatic (dreams, famine, royal courts) and the mundane (birth records, travel itineraries). Living Out Trust in Our Homes • Remember - Rehearse the promises God has already kept in your lineage: salvations, healings, restored relationships. - Keep a written “family faith timeline” and update it together. • Recount - Share the stories with the next generation (Psalm 78 : 4). - Celebrate spiritual birthdays and pivotal answers to prayer as intentionally as physical birthdays. • Respond - Align household priorities with God’s declared purposes (Matthew 6 : 33). - Pray expecting the same covenant-keeping character to act today (Hebrews 13 : 8). Verses to Speak Over Your Household - 2 Corinthians 1 : 20 — “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” - Hebrews 10 : 23 — “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” - Romans 8 : 28 — “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” - Isaiah 54 : 13 — “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” When Genesis 46 : 22 lists fourteen descendants, it is more than genealogy—it is an invitation. If God was faithful to Jacob’s house, He will not fail yours. |
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