Genesis 46:3,4

Jacob must have shuddered at the thought of leaving the land of his father’s sojourning and dwelling among pagan strangers. It was a new scene, and likely to be a trying one: who would venture among the officials of a foreign monarch without anxiety? Yet the way was evidently appointed for him, and therefore he resolved to go.

This is frequently the position of believers now—they are called to perils and temptations that are entirely new. At such times, let them imitate Jacob’s example by offering sacrifices of prayer to God and seeking His direction. Let them not take a step until they have waited on the Lord for His blessing; then they will have Jacob’s companion to be their friend and helper.

How blessed it is to feel assured that the Lord is with us in all our ways and condescends to go down into our humiliations and banishments with us! Even beyond the ocean, our Father’s love beams like the sun in its strength. We cannot hesitate to go where Jehovah promises His presence; even the valley of death’s shadow grows bright with the radiance of this assurance.

Marching onward with faith in their God, believers will have Jacob’s promise. They will be brought up again, whether from the troubles of life or the chambers of death. Jacob’s seed came out of Egypt in due time, and so will all the faithful pass unscathed through the tribulation of life and the terror of death.

Let us exercise Jacob’s confidence. “Fear not,” is the Lord’s command and His divine encouragement to those who at His bidding are launching upon new seas. The divine presence and preservation forbid even one unbelieving fear. Without our God, we should fear to move; but when He bids us to, it would be dangerous to delay. Reader, go forward, and fear not.