"I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation" (Genesis 46:3)
These are the words the LORD God said to Jacob whike he was forced to leave the promised land because of a severe famine and to go to Egypt towards a welcoming son who was lost long back. We in these last days get struck in making newer decisions. The endeavor may be new to us, we would have been forced to quit from the existing work, thousands of questions circling around our head, analysing the pros and cons, meeting the experts and seeking friends and elders for advices—all these increase the pressure of the scenario.
Here is a man of God who is toiling in such a situation. Jacob feared of this new journey at this old age—130 years of old. He also knows that the journey is a long one. He remembers the death of his beloved wife Rachel on one of such journeys. This is how we too look ourselves in front of the new endeavor. Are we skilled enough to handle this work? Does our health factor is a concern? Can I be able to undergo this new task? Will any calamity befall in the midst of the task? and so on the list of questions go.
Jacob feared of the consequences that may happen in Egypt—his people, his sons, who accompany him, may forget their originality, their lifestyle, their culture and fall to the modern culture and practices. He would have feared that they may forget the LORD their God who led them all these days and serve foreign gods and embrace the new pleasures of the world. This is also a point we normally think when we are about to be enter into a new task. What will happen to me—will I need to compromise with my principalities, my beliefs, my culture, my lifestyle, and so on. Will time make me to change myself completely, away from my present trend.
Jacob also feared the earlier prophecy that God had told his forefather Abraham about a bond of slavery. He would have feared that this might make us to bind ourselves into slavery in Egypt. This is also the fear we always have whether we will be binded by the clutches of slavery. Will the true purpose for which we have undertook this task be fulfilled?
Dear friends, you know what Jacob did amidst all his fears—He waited in the God's presence and listened to God's voice. Today, in all our new endeavors let us keep away all our fears and worries and be in the presence of God for His guidance. He is faithful in His promises and He will show us the way at the appointed time. So be not discouraged nor fear of the dangers before us. May God bless you!
