Confidence
Why me? I wasn’t paid staff or anybody of importance. I wasn’t an experienced mom. Surely someone else was more qualified. But our pastor asked if I would end the Mothers’s Day service with prayer. That meant walking down the aisle of our church all alone, stepping up on the platform without falling, and standing behind a pulpit where only great men of God spoke. And to make matters worse, the entire pastoral staff would be sitting on their big throne-like chairs behind me. I didn’t think I could do it. I was just a young mom with nothing to give. Thankfully, I had a week to pray about my prayer. And God gave me the confidence to do it. When we feel the least qualified, the Lord always equips us. When we rely on Him and remember who we are in Christ, all things are possible. I may have been shaking in my boots, but I prayed a blessing on the moms that morning. Be confident that what God says about you is true, and don’t shrink back when God calls you to what you think is an impossible task.
Read Genesis 47:1-2
1. When Joseph told Pharaoh his family had come, how many of his brothers did he take with him to Pharaoh?
2. Where have you noticed the number 5 before? Do you remember what it might represent? (See Genesis 43:34, 45:11 and 22)
Read Genesis 47:3-6
3. What else did Pharaoh suggest Joseph’s family do beside pasture their own flocks?
Read Genesis 47:7-12
4. What did Jacob do for Pharaoh when he met him?
5. Why do you think Jacob could stand before this great ruler with dignity and confidence?
I love the confidence Jacob displayed when he was presented to Pharaoh. This aging father stood before a strong, political ruler with dignity. He faced him with awareness that he was representing the Almighty God Himself. Jacob knew the unique position he held in God’s Kingdom, and with quiet dignity and confidence, he spoke a holy blessing upon Pharaoh. Truly Jacob was a channel of divine blessings, with Pharaoh being the recipient. This speaks to all of us today. Know who you are and what the Bible says about you.
You are chosen and adopted as God’s child. You belong to Him; You have purpose as God’s workmanship. You bear His name and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, you are His dwelling place. So why should you be afraid? You represent the Almighty and have His last name. You may never stand before a president here on earth but wherever God places you, know who you are in Christ. Walk in godly confidence as you relate with others in this world.
When the family of Joseph came to the land – Joseph went to Pharaoh and only took 5 of his brethren – the number five would represent the last 5 years of the famine which was to be in the land – Joseph gave Benjamin 5 messes of foods and things – he also made sure Benjamin had 5 changes of raiment’s – where the others only had 3 changes – the number 5 was very important and Joseph was going to make sure his family were fed and clothed during the famine. Pharaoh suggested Joseph’s family be the rulers over Pharaoh’s cattle and to dwell in the Land of Egypt and the land of Goshen also – Joseph was going to make sure his family was taken care of and would not be in poverty during this time. GOD always takes care of his people. Joseph’s father Jacob was brought before Pharaoh and he blessed him – I think Jacob realized how GOD had moved in Joseph’s life and he also wanted Pharaoh realize that this was all from GOD – I love what you said – Karen – about knowing who we are and what the Bible says about us. WE WERE CHOSEN AS GOD’S CHILD – we belong to HIM each day of our lives – sometimes we are the only BIBLE which people see and read during the days – we should be very careful to follow very close to the LORD – I want to always be a true child of GOD in my life on this earth. You and I have things waiting for us in HEAVEN and someday soon we will be joining our loved ones and rejoicing forevermore. Great lesson – Karen – love them.