Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Genesis 46:1-47:31, Matthew15:1-28, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 4:14-19

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God Goes With You

God doesn’t want us to be afraid. Over and over in Scripture, God reminds His people not to fear—because fear keeps us from fully trusting Him and walking in His promises.

When Jacob prepared to go down to Egypt, he gathered all his possessions and took everything with him. Normally, that would make sense. Anyone moving their family would do the same. But this situation was different.

Joseph, who was second in command in Egypt, had already promised his family the best of the land. He told them not to worry about their belongings. They would be taken care of. Yet, Jacob still packed everything.

Why? Because part of him was afraid. He believed God—but he hadn’t fully rested in that belief yet. Fear was still whispering, “What if this doesn’t work out? What if something goes wrong?”

So on the way, Jacob stopped at Beersheba – the place of covenant. He worshiped. He prayed. He asked God if this was really His plan and if He would still be with him.

And God answered, “Yes.” God didn’t scold him – He reassured him and that’s what He does with us too. We don’t have to be afraid of the plans God has for us. When He leads us into something new, unknown, or uncomfortable, He doesn’t send us alone. He walks with us every step of the way.

We also see this courage in Joseph’s family when they meet Pharaoh. They don’t hide who they are. They say, “We are shepherds,” even though Egyptians looked down on shepherds. They weren’t afraid to be honest about their identity and God honored that, as well as did Pharaoh. They were accepted and blessed.

We can’t be afraid to say who we are either. We are followers of Christ. We are His disciples. We are called to care for His people and walk in His truth. We don’t need to hide that.

We also don’t have to be afraid during times of famine—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. As heirs of God’s Kingdom and His royal priests, God promises to provide for us. Just as He protected the priests and Joseph’s family in Egypt, He will take care of His children today.

And we can’t be afraid of what faithless people think. When the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words, the disciples worried. But Jesus said that anything not planted by God would be uprooted. He told them not to follow blind guides who don’t know the truth. In other words: Don’t let fear of opinions move you.

If we follow fear, we fall. If we follow Jesus, we stand.

We also see this courage in the Gentile woman who came to Jesus for her daughter. She wasn’t part of Israel. She was overlooked. She was tested. But she didn’t give up. She wasn’t afraid to approach Him and ask for favor because she knew who He was and trusted His heart. Because of that her daughter was healed. God honors bold, humble faith.

All through Scripture, God is telling us the same thing:

Don’t be afraid to follow Me.
Don’t be afraid to trust Me.
Don’t be afraid to obey Me.
Don’t be afraid to let go.

He is with you.
He will go with you.
He will bring you through.

“Do not be afraid to go down… I will go with you, and I will bring you back again.” – Genesis 46:3-4 (NLT) 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Don’t be afraid to approach the Lord today. Take 5 Minutes to be with Him and ask:

• “What do You want me to know about this today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let today be a day of sweet assurance from the King..

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving me and always going with me. Forgive me for the times I let fear guide my choices. Help me trust You fully as I walk with You. When You lead me into new seasons, remind me that You are with me. Give me courage to walk in faith and obedience. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.