Reluctant Faith

Reluctant Faith

Genesis 42:29-43:14

Fear becomes faith when we accept that I can’t, but God can.

Jacob and his sons experience reasonable fear. (42:29-38)

Jacob reluctantly gives-up control and trusts El Shaddai. (43:1-14)

Where in your life do you need to accept that I can’t, but God can?

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 42:29-43:14

1. Read verses 42:29-38. What did the brothers find when they returned home, and why were they so afraid? What was Jacob’s response? How was Jacob feeling? Why didn’t Jacob respond more favorably to Reuben’s offer? In what situation in your life have you felt like Jacob? How did you or are you handling it?

2. Read verses 43:1-10. Why did Jacob change his mind about Benjamin going to Egypt? Notice verse 9. What did Judah offer to encourage Jacob to allow them to take Benjamin? How does Judah’s offer exemplify what Christ has done for us (see Romans 4:25; Galatians 1:4; Peter 2:24-25, 3:18; Hebrews 9:28)? Why is this theology central to our faith as Christians? What response should this theology invoke in us? How do you respond whenever you consider this theological reality?

3. Read verses 43:11-14. Jacob came up with a 2-part plan for how they should return to Egypt to get grain. What was the first part of his plan in verses 11-13? What was the second part of his plan in verse 14? How can Jacob’s 2-part plan give us wisdom for how-to walk-through life?

4. So what. In this account of Jacob’s family, we see regular people struggling with fear and faith. In what areas of your life are you struggling with fear and faith? Consider Hebrews 11:6. Where do you need to confess your fear and make a Holy Spirit powered decision to trust God?