Checking in with God

"I am God," the voice said, "the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there. I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring your descendants back again. But you will die in Egypt with Joseph at your side." Genesis 46:3-4 NLT

Upon learning that Joseph was still alive and leading Egypt, Jacob immediately set out to see his "long lost" son. However, on the way it seems that Jacob paused and had second thoughts about going to Egypt. After all God's purpose was to be fulfilled in Canaan and when Abraham had gone down to Egypt during a previous famine he had gotten into trouble (Genesis 12). Jacob sought God (see 46:1) and God appeared to him and assured him that God would be with him as he went and would bring his descendants back to the land of promise. With this assurance from God Jacob proceeded to Egypt.

It's a good idea to check in with God when we are making major moves in life. Our first impulse may be to move forward with something because it appeals to us. But we need to stop and ask is this what God wants me to do? Does it line up with what He has been doing in my life? Does it line up with the truth of Scripture? If upon checking in with God we are cleared to move ahead then we should go without further hesitation.

Father, You are a God of purpose and I want to keep in step with Your purpose for my life. Help me to remember to check in before charging off and guide me clearly as You did Jacob.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark