“Moreover, they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live temporarily (sojourn) in the land [of Egypt], for there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants [in our land], for the famine is very severe in Canaan. So now, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know of any men of ability among them, put them in charge of my livestock.””
Genesis 47:4-6 AMP
“Now [the people of] Israel lived in the country of Egypt, in [the land of] Goshen, and they gained possessions and acquired property there and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.”
Genesis 47:27 AMP
When Jacob and his entire family finally arrived to their “temporary” home in Egypt, Pharaoh told Joseph to “settle {them} in the best of the land” and they were greatly blessed there. Jacob’s family went from severe famine to the best of the land and was greatly blessed.
Wait. Think about that for just a few seconds – let that sink in.
From severe famine to settled in the best land to greatly blessed.
There was a real, physical famine across the land. Jacob didn’t know how he would provide or what they would eat – and he had a lot of mouths to feed!
But – G-d KNEW! G-d had a plan – a plan that He had been working on for a long time!
Years before G-d sent Joseph ahead to prepare a place and a way to save his family. Joseph went through a personal famine. He experienced devastating loss and he knew great blessing. He was prepared to help settle them and position them for blessing.
When things were bleak and hopeless, G-d provided, through Pharaoh, the best land for Jacob’s family to settle in – and there, they prospered. The suddenly of G-d – His timing and His plan intersecting.
As I look back over some seasons that were “famines” in our life, I can see clearly how G-d settled us in “the best land” and “greatly blessed” us.
While it’s hard – and sometimes impossible to see, while it rips our hearts out and we feel flooded with desperation in the place of severe famine, I am fully confident that He is moving, positioning, and settling us – and He will bless us.
All of us experience these seasons. It’s not unique to me or to you. Perhaps He’s using a famine in our lives to reposition us. Perhaps He’s settling us in a new place to bless others and to be blessed.
Whatever season you are in personally, and whatever season those dear to you are in, may we all find hope in the knowledge that He loves us and He has a plan for us. May we embrace those who are suffering with kindness and grace.
Father – Help me to trust Your plan. Forgive me for my doubt. Give me grace to those in need and who are hurting today. You are good. Your way is perfect. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Today’s reading: Genesis 46-47