Genesis 43:11-13 And their father Israel (Jacob) said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: and take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; perhaps it was an oversight. Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man.
At this point, Jacob was between a rock and a hard place. Their food was quickly running out. His family would soon all starve to death. He had to do something. Even in those days, money and presents spoke loudly, so Jacob told his sons to take presents and more money to the governor in trade for grain.
Jacob’s sons didn’t know it, but their integrity was being tested by Joseph, who had instructed his men hide the money they originally brought to purchase grain, back in their grain sacks where it could be easily found. He did this to see how they would respond.
They could have lied to their father like they had done for twenty years about Joseph, but due to the circumstances, they were forced to tell the truth. They couldn’t take a chance of being killed or watch their family starve to death. They might not have wanted to, but they HAD to do what was right and respond in truth. They too found themselves between a rock and a hard place.
Under no circumstances would Jacob ever allow his older sons to take the youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt except that he had no other choice. His sorrow mounted, but he had to have faith, and perhaps his sons would return with more grain. He could only hope and pray this would be the case.
So many times in our lives we don’t obey the Will of God until we are backed so far into a corner that we have no other choice. We claim to be living in God’s Will for our lives, while in actuality oftentimes we are operating in ways pleasing to ourselves. So many times, not until we are between a rock and a hard place, do we act in a righteous manner. It’s so easy to be snared by the enemy and bribed with money and other worldly gifts. It’s also easy to tell a “little white lie” to protect our ego, avoid embarrassment, or be put in a hurtful situation.
Every predicament in life is a test of our faith. God knows all and allows everything that happens to us, all of which is a test of our faith, righteousness and integrity. When we place our faith squarely in Jesus and His Sacrifice on the Cross, in order that sin might not have dominion over us, we will respond to all temptation and the circumstances of life, in truth, righteousness and integrity.
Such a response is pleasing to God, which should be the goal of every believer, all the time; not just when we are between a rock and a hard place.
Only God can……..turn the tide
Praising Him, Doreen
