Daily Devotional

May 9th, 2024
by Karon Cecy

CHANGE

Genesis 46:2–4 - “God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will close your eyes.’” (NASB)

My heart was moved by the description in Genesis of Jacob’s move to Egypt. Jacob was shocked to learn his son Joseph, who he thought was dead, was, in fact, alive and the most powerful ruler in Egypt next to Pharaoh. His very own son was providing escape from the famine. Travel to Egypt was the solution. Jacob was leaving his simple home to live in the most powerful empire in the world. I am sure that Jacob feared his family would be swallowed up by this powerful culture. God knew Jacob was afraid. How kind of God to give Jacob confirmation that this was His plan, “Don’t be afraid”. God promised He would go with him to Egypt and He would make him a great nation.

Jacob’s journey reminded me of the journey Jim and I embarked on many years ago. Mixed emotions churned in my stomach when I realized Jim and I were leaving our home in Santa Cruz to move to the Los Angeles area for him to attend Talbot Seminary. Yes, I knew in my heart God was leading us on this journey, but I was fearful. Los Angeles and Santa Cruz could not be more opposite! Santa Cruz was a beach town with ocean breezes, very little traffic, and a relaxed, easy going culture. Los Angeles was smoggy with ribbons of cars as far as the eye could see. Navigating traffic was a lesson in speed, agility, and pure determination. The culture was bathed in high energy and competition. We managed to locate an apartment in North Hollywood. A friend told us not to worry about the helicopter circling our neighborhood routinely with its penetrating searchlight. He gave the “comforting” words, “Don’t worry, the crooks live in your neighborhood…they never steal from their own neighbors.” UGH!

In spite of all this, God showered us with tremendous blessings as a result of this difficult move. Jim earned his Master of Divinity degree at Talbot Seminary. Jim and I became life-long friends with our neighbors in the apartment above us. We both received rich mentoring and support during this time. Jim and I grew closer in our marriage as we tackled the challenges of seminary life and living with limited finances. I am so grateful God was with us through those three years. This was a life-changing experience that resulted in blessings and opportunities to grow and prepare for the ministry.

Change comes in many forms: New job, marriage, new baby, and even a move to another city. Through it all God is with us all the way!

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND TEACHERS:

Share with your kids a time when you struggled with change. Include how God helped you through it.
Ask your kids how they feel about change? Is there something they are going through right now?
Tell the story of Jacob and how God was with him and his whole family.

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Posted in Daily Devotionals
Posted in Karon Cecy