What To Do When Your Out Of Options

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], friends and family in Christ. Welcome to Grace Ministries USA. I’m so glad you’re joining me today as we dive into the Word of God. Have you ever felt like the world around you is crumbling? Like famine, chaos, despair and uncertainty are closing in? Well, that’s exactly the backdrop for today’s message from Genesis chapters 46 and 47.
In these chapters, we see Jacob and his family facing a devastating famine. But here’s the beautiful truth: God blesses them abundantly right in the middle of it all, and so undeserving . He turns their desperation into provision, their fear into flourishing. And the best part? This isn’t just an ancient story—it’s a promise for us today. God shows up in our chaos, often when we least expect it, but only after we’ve stepped out in faith and done what we can. And remember, we must live godly lives to receive His full blessings. We can’t throw our pearls before swine, wasting God’s gifts on those who won’t value them. Let’s unpack this together.
Here in Genesis 46: The Journey to Egypt.
Let’s start with Genesis 46. Jacob, also known as Israel, is an old man now. He’s heard that his long-lost son Joseph is alive and ruling in Egypt. But leaving the promised land of Canaan? That’s a big step. It’s risky. The famine has ravaged everything, and Jacob’s family is starving. So, God speaks to Jacob in a vision at Beersheba. He says, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.”
What a reassurance! Jacob packs up his entire household—66 descendants in all, plus Joseph and his family already in Egypt, making 70 total. They take their livestock, their goods, everything. It’s a massive migration born out of necessity. When they arrive, Joseph reunites with his father in a tearful embrace. Jacob says, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”
Friends, picture this: A family torn apart by betrayal and jealousy, now reunited in a foreign land. God is weaving redemption through the threads of suffering. The famine could have destroyed them, but instead, it’s the catalyst for blessing.
But Now, with God in Genesis 47: Settlement and Blessing.
Moving into chapter 47, Joseph presents his family to Pharaoh. He strategically places them in Goshen, the best land for shepherds, away from the Egyptians who despise that profession. Pharaoh even gives them jobs caring for his own livestock. Talk about favor!
But the famine worsens. The Egyptians sell their money, then their livestock, then their land to Pharaoh just to buy food from Joseph’s storehouses. Joseph, guided by God, manages it all wisely. By the end, Pharaoh owns everything, and the people are like tenants on their own land. Yet, Jacob’s family thrives in Goshen. They’re fruitful, multiplying, untouched by the broader devastation.
Jacob lives another 17 years in Egypt, blessing Pharaoh himself before he dies. He makes Joseph swear to bury him back in Canaan, pointing to God’s promise of return. Through it all, we see God’s hand: He blesses abundantly in the chaos. The famine that should have wiped them out becomes the soil for growth.
God’s Abundant Blessings in Chaos
So, what does this mean for us? First, God blesses abundantly even in famine and chaos. Jacob’s family didn’t just survive—they prospered. Goshen became a haven of plenty while the world starved. Today, our “famines” might be financial hardship, health crises, or global uncertainties. But God can turn those into opportunities for blessing. He provided manna in the wilderness, multiplied loaves and fishes for the crowds—He specializes in abundance from scarcity.
Think about it: Joseph had prepared for seven years, storing grain. The family had traveled in obedience. They did what they could. And then, God showed up. Not before, but after their efforts. He continues to do that today. When you’ve prayed, worked, and stepped out in faith—when you’ve done everything humanly possible—that’s when He often surprises us with provision we never saw coming. A job offer out of nowhere. Healing after the doctors give up. Reconciliation in broken relationships. God shows up when we least expect it because that’s His nature—faithful, sovereign, and full of grace.
. Whats God trying to show us ? Living a Godly Life and Not Casting Pearls Before Swine, a Godly life, and why not you’ve tried everything else.
But here’s a crucial point: We have to live godly lives to position ourselves for these blessings. Jacob’s family wasn’t perfect—far from it. But they honored God. Jacob sought His voice before the journey. Joseph lived with integrity, even in prison. They didn’t compromise their faith in Egypt’s pagan culture.
Jesus echoes this in Matthew 7:6: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” In other words, don’t waste God’s precious gifts—your time, energy, or resources—on people or pursuits that despise them. In Genesis, Joseph didn’t reveal himself to just anyone; he tested his brothers first. We must discern where to invest our lives.
Living godly means obedience, even in chaos. It means tithing in famine, like Jacob vowed. Forgiving like Joseph. Trusting God’s timing. If we’re chasing worldly idols or compromising our values, we block the flow of blessing. But when we align with Him—holy, set apart—He pours out abundance.
Friends, apply this today. In your personal famine, do what you can: Budget wisely, seek counsel, pray fervently. Then watch God show up. Maybe it’s a community coming together, like Joseph’s family. Maybe it’s unexpected provision, like land in Goshen.
At Grace Ministries USA, we believe God’s promises are for now. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you’re in chaos, surrender it to Him. Live godly, guard your pearls, and expect His abundance.
Let me pray for you: Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons in Genesis 46 and 47. Bless us abundantly in our famines. Help us do our part, live godly lives, and trust Your unexpected arrivals. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for watching [or reading]. If this blessed you, like, share, and subscribe to Grace Ministries USA. Drop a comment below: What’s your “famine” right now, and how can we pray? God bless you abundantly!