The 1908 Georgia Bulldogs were fearful and intimidated. During a scoreless game with Tennessee, they had moved the football to the Vol’s two-yard line when a grizzled mountaineer, reeking of sour mash, strode into their huddle and fingered a .38 revolver! “The first man who crosses the goal line will get a bullet in his carcass,” he declared before police hustled him away. The Bulldogs fumbled on the next play and never threatened again, losing 10-0.

Genesis 46-47 – Fear Overcome

Joseph’s invitation to come to Egypt wasn’t enough to overcome Jacob’s fear. He needed a word from God and received one. Jacob packed everything in a wagon train and set out for Egypt. This time, he wasn’t running away from someone or walking in his own strength. God had promised to make Abraham into a great nation. Yet Jacob’s “nation” had only 70 people. Jacob needed the encouragement of a fresh vision. He got a fresh vision! For the eighth (and last) time, God spoke to him in a vision, giving Jacob a “green light” to go to Egypt.

Israel was given the land of Goshen, where they would be isolated from the Egyptians. They raised livestock and retained their identity as a small nation. Over the years, they became a great nation! They learned much from the Egyptians in their 430 years outside the land of Canaan.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete understand how God can use any disaster and one person’s faithfulness to advance His purposes for His covenant people.

Bible Verse: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to do what has happened on this day, to keep many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 (LSB)