45:1-8
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Verse 5. When you or others are sorry about past sins, bring encouragement by teaching of the good that God brings out of evil things.
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Verses 7-8. Understand that God even uses evil circumstances to cause His plan to unfold.
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Remember that you are exactly where you need to be. God needed Joseph in Egypt, regardless of how he got there. Wherever you are is where God has placed you.
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Be encouraged that no person, no matter how much harm they do to you, can pull you out of God's plan. God is always in charge!
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You will have an easier time forgiving those who've hurt you if you remember that God uses everyone's action, whether good or evil, to bring good into your life. No one's sin removes you from God's plan for you.
45:9-28, 46:1-34, 47:1-6, 11-12
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46:2-4. As God assured Jacob, be assured that God's work in your life, to increase you, can continue no matter where you are in the world.
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Do not be afraid of change, and do not be afraid to leave behind what is familiar.
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Be willing to go anywhere, understanding that, with God, you have everything you need.
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47:6. Israel and his household were given everything they needed in the land of Egypt. This is another reminder that we will have what we need wherever we are sent.
47:7-10
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Jacob (Israel) understood that, no matter how long he had lived, his life was short, and that it was only a pilgrimage.
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Understand that your life on earth is a pilgrimage; you are only passing through(1 Peter 2:11-12). So don't become attached to anything in this world, as it's all going to pass away (1 Corinthians 7:29-31).
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Remember that life is short. Make the most of your time (Psalm 90:12).
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Also, be thankful for the days that you have here on earth. You are here for a reason.
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47:13-26
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The average person will give up anything to stay alive, as we see with the Egyptians.
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Verse 25. These people did not hesitate to give up their possessions for someone that had saved their life.
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Remember that Christ saved your life from condemnation. If you appreciate this gift of salvation, you will give up your possessions for the growth of His kingdom. Use your life and what you have for His cause, which is the gospel.
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All will be won and submitted to God in the end anyway (Ephesians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 15:28)
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Just as the whole land of Egypt was won to Pharaoh, the loyalty of others will be won to Christ when they realize that they need Him for their survival. Understand and teach this to others—that we depend on Christ for everything!
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The famine taught the Egyptians the value of food, and to appreciate it as a means of survival, rather than for gluttony.
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Remember that food is to sustain life, not to indulge gluttonous appetite.
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Understand that times of lack are good for teaching you to appreciate what you have. Remember that there is purpose in lack.
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47:27-31
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Jacob wanted to be joined with his fathers (Abraham and Isaac) in his death. Jacob knew that the inheritance of his descendants would be in the land of Canaan. He wanted his body buried in Canaan, likely also, to remind his children where they belong.
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Remember that even though we live in this world, we belong in the kingdom of heaven (Philippians 3:20), with Christ, and we will be joined with Him in death.
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Just as Jacob trusted Joseph with his body, we trust God with our spirit when we die. Christ has promised that we will be with Him when we die (2 Corinthians 5:1,5-7). Let this give you rest.
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