Seeking God for Direction

Seeking God for Direction
Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!… do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again.” —Genesis 46: 2-4
For years, Jacob had thought his son Joseph was dead. Now his eldest sons give Jacob the startling news that Joseph is alive and wants him to come to Egypt. And so they begin their journey. But when they reach Beersheba, fear suddenly grips Jacob.
Fear is a powerful motivator. Jacob’s fear caused him to seek God. It is better to be motivated by love, but if you won’t seek God for that reason, He may put you in a place of necessity so you will seek Him out of need. If that doesn’t work, He may put you in a fearful situation so you will seek Him out of fear. Because God loves you so much and enjoys fellowship with you, He will use whatever it takes to get you to Him.
**We often put ourselves in some pretty miserable positions because we move ahead without seeking God.
When God—who knows all things and loves you supremely—has offered to guide your life, it seems rather ridiculous to ignore that help and move in your own limited wisdom. When we reach a crossroad and don’t know which way to turn, it is wise to seek God.
Teach us, O Lord, to seek Your will, to walk in Your path, and to be led by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.