Genesis 46:1-7 - So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.

This passage describes Jacob's journey from Canaan down to Egypt with his entire family at God's direction. Facing a famine, God had previously told Jacob through visions at night not to be afraid, but that He would make Jacob's family into a great nation in Egypt. Jacob gathered all his children and grandchildren, as well as his possessions and livestock. The sons of Israel carried their father Jacob and all their dependents in wagons provided by Pharaoh down into Egypt as God had instructed.

What a testament to Jacob's faith that in a time of hardship and uncertainty, he obeyed God's command to take his entire family down into Egypt without question. Though it meant leaving the land God had promised to his ancestors, Jacob trusted that God would be with him and fulfill His word. God does not always explain His plans to us, but like Jacob, we must have faith that He is sovereign over our lives and will accomplish His purposes in His perfect timing. Even in leaving the promised land temporarily, God was at work establishing the nation of Israel. How comforting to know that no matter where life's journey may lead us, God goes before us and will never leave or forsake those who put their trust in Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jacob's faith and obedience in following Your leading, even when the path was uncertain. Help us to have that same trust in You - that Your plans for our lives are good, Your timing is perfect, and You will fulfill every promise. Give us courage to step out in obedience wherever You call us, knowing that You go before us and will sustain us. May our families, like Jacob's, be blessed as we walk by faith. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.