Genesis. Where it began. Now into Chapter 43 where the twists and turns in the life of Joseph and his family resemble a switchback drive. It looks like things are progressing in a somewhat straight line, and then they are not. What in the world is going on?

Here’s the thing. God's ways are not the ways of man. At the end of Chapter 42, Jacob (also known as Israel) made it clear. There was no way the youngest brother Benjamin would travel to Egypt. He told them that should anything happen to Benjamin, it would kill him. Oh, my goodness. I can relate to Jacob’s intense response. I had told Gordie, when our boys were young, that if anyone did harm to either of them, I would be arrested and sentenced to prison. My mama bear was fierce and on high alert. Protect. No matter what. I am grateful my declaration was never put to the test.

Think about it though. We live in a time where most anyone and everything can be tracked and monitored. It may have taken up to six weeks to travel from Canaan to Egypt, a journey of 250-330 miles. Life and culture moved at a natural, unhurried pace in those days. Jacob would have waited three to four months to see his sons again. He was an elderly man and had no idea if he would even be alive when they returned. If they returned. I don’t fault him for such a strong response. Two of our three sons live out of state yet seeing them is not the arduous process Joseph’s family had before them.

Now onto Chapter 43. The grain is gone. The famine is far reaching, and the only option is going back to Egypt. Jacob does a quick switch and tells his sons to “Go again, buy us a little food”. Judah steps out and reminds him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’

If we don’t bring Benjamin, there is no point in going. The tension is palpable. What would you do? As a parent? As a sibling? I would be begging God for another option. There was no other option to be found and having faith in God and trusting in his goodness seemed risky. They would all starve if Israel insisted on his way. But what if Benjamin did not return?

A decision had to be made. Judah tells Israel they could have taken two round trips in the time wasted on wondering “what if?”. Israel makes up his mind. “Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man. May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. Genesis 43:13-14.

So back to Egypt they go, Benjamin with them. There is a repetition of circumstances and I encourage you to read the story of Joseph beginning in Genesis Chapter 37. Favoritism. Big egos. Envy, jealousy and revenge. Mountain tops and deep valleys. False accusations.  God's hand on the lives of this family in every situation regardless of how it looked and felt.

The same is true for those of us who love and follow Christ. Though the storm clouds are building, when our hearts are breaking, when the resources run dry and when it seems life is falling apart, God is with you. He will never leave or forsake you. Feelings are fickle and fleeting. Jesus Christ is the unshakable, solid rock on which we stand.

Press on and keep looking up.

What is one way you can focus on the truth of God's word when the cultural lies seem to surround you?

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