Today’s Reading, Genesis 35-37
Focal Scripture: Genesis 35:3 “We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”
Have you ever scouted a place out before you took a group? In healthy places I have done ministry, this was not only expected, it was foundational. The purpose to scout out a trip beforehand serves serval purposes. First, is the trip and people leading it advertising the experience correctly. Are the rooms appropriate for a group of people? Do they have adequate facilities? You also get a snapshot of the culture that belongs to the city. A scouting trip is good leadership. A scouting trip allows the leader to know the terrain and become familiar with any obstacles. Good leaders lead and know the direction they are traveling
In today’s reading we see Jacob tell his family it is time to get up and move. Jacob was preparing them for this move and letting them know that he would set up an altar for worship. Why? Because God has been with him everywhere he has traveled. Not just physically but also spiritually. Jacob knew that the Lord traveled with him and before him in his life. His travel destination has already been scouted out by the Lord.
I am not sure about you but I trust the Lords direction in my life. At times it is difficult to see the next step, however I know the Lord has already traveled the steps I will take before I take them. I also know that the Lord knows what dangers and pitfalls I will face. The Lord is clearing the path and leaving behind precisely what I need to grow in my faith.
I am not saying I always agree or understand what the Lord is doing in my personal life. I am also not saying that I have deep faith as I am on my journey. I have to constantly remind my self that God knows the path I will take. It has been selected just for me and my personality. The Lord has went before me to create a journey that will build a deeper faith.
I am not sure what road you are traveling today but know this, the Lord has already been on it because he goes before us and never forsakes us on our path. If you’re struggling to trust the journey, it’s ok, trust the Lord. He is right beside you, guiding you down a path the he knows and created for you personally. Nothing is by mistake or chance. Trust the Lord and his process.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 38-40
