Genesis 46-48

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt ... I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again” (46:3-4). Shockingly, God was urging Jacob to leave Canaan, the Promised Land, and move to Egypt. Yet God reassured Jacob that this unexpected detour would not end in disaster. On the contrary, in Egypt, Jacob (Israel) would experience the healing of old wounds, like seeing the son he thought was dead. ‘I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too’” (48:11).

Jacob trusted “the God who has been my shepherd all my life” (48:15). He can take what is difficult and unexpected and bring about healing, restoration, and new life.