The Study of Genesis: Post Twenty
***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 20th devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 32 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next couple of weeks.
Focus: Genesis 46
Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.
This week’s devotion includes:
Chapter 46 – “Stopping at Beersheba”
(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)
Bible Memory:
Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.
This Week’s Memory Verse — And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. – Genesis 46:3-4
Genesis Chapter 46
“Stopping at Beersheba”
(Read Genesis Chapter 46 First)
Have you ever been on the verge of making a big decision and felt unsure about what comes next? Maybe a new season is beginning, and part of you is hopeful, but another part of you feels a little nervous about the unknown. In Genesis 46, Jacob finds himself in that very place. Before moving his entire family to Egypt, he stops at Beersheba to seek the Lord. That stop before the journey holds a beautiful lesson for us.
If you remember from our previous Genesis devotions, Beersheba wasn’t just any stop along the road. It was a place with history. His grandfather Abraham had worshiped God there, and his father Isaac had also built an altar there when the Lord appeared to him.
Jacob stopped at a place that reminded him of God’s faithfulness before going into something unknown.
Sometimes that’s exactly what our hearts need too. Before moving into a new season, it helps to pause and remember the times and places where God has already been faithful in our lives.
Before we make big decisions. Before we go through uncertain seasons. And for sure before stepping into something new.
When we stop to remember God’s faithfulness in the past, it can help prepare our hearts for whatever lies ahead.
Journal Questions:
• What “Beersheba” places do you have in your life? These could be moments where God clearly showed His faithfulness?
• When you face something uncertain, how can remembering those moments strengthen your trust in Him?
• Is there a place, memory, or season where God met you that you can return to in your heart when you need reassurance?
I love that Jacob stopped to seek God first…and AFTER that, God speaks to him. It reminded me of Jeremiah 29:13 –
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Jacob must have been seeking God with all of his heart because God calls his name, “Jacob, Jacob,” and tells him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt. Then He gives him this beautiful promise: I will go down with you.
God is the perfect travel partner! He will give us directions, AND He will go with us on our journey!
Jacob didn’t know what the future would hold in Egypt, but he knew one thing for sure…God would be there.
Isn’t that often how the Lord leads us too?
There are many times in our lives when we will be stepping into something new. A new season, a hard decision, or a path we didn’t expect. We may not see the whole plan, but God gently reminds us the same thing He told Jacob: Don’t be afraid. I’ll go with you.
That comforts me. Does it you?
Because when God goes with us, even those unfamiliar places and uncomfortable starts can become part of His good plan.
Maybe today you’re facing something that feels uncertain. Do you have a big decision to make? Is there a change in your life that needs to take place? Is God asking you to do something and you know you need to take that first step of obedience?
If the Lord is leading you there, you can trust that He’s already gone ahead of you, and He’ll walk with you every step of the way.
A Few Questions to Think About:
- Is there an area of your life right now where you feel unsure about what’s ahead?
- What might it look like for you to stop and seek the Lord before moving forward the way Jacob did?
• Can you think of a time when God led you somewhere unexpected but later showed you His purpose?
Remember friend, we may not know the whole plan, but we can know the one who is walking with us. Do you know him personally? If not, I want to share with you how you can…
The Bible tells us that every person needs salvation, and it also clearly shows us how we can be saved.
We Are All Sinners
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Every one of us has sinned. No one is perfect, and our sin separates us from a holy God.
Sin Has a Consequence
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Sin leads to spiritual death, but God offers us a gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Christ Died for Us
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Even while we were sinners, God showed His love by sending Jesus to die in our place.
We Must Believe and Confess
Romans 10:9–10
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Salvation comes when we truly believe in our hearts and confess Jesus as Lord.
Anyone Who Calls on the Lord Can Be Saved
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Salvation is available to anyone who calls on Jesus in faith.
Seek the LORD. Talk to Him. He loves you.
The Georgia Nest 