Moving Forward When It Feels Scary: The Journey of Genesis 46
Imagine you’ve spent years building your dream in one place, whether that’s a business, a big project, or even a close-knit family. Suddenly, something happens. A new opportunity shows up, but it means leaving everything familiar behind. Your friends, your routines, maybe even your favorite coffee shop or the school you love—gone, if you say “yes.”
That’s exactly what happens in Genesis 46. In this chapter, we meet a man named Jacob who faces a huge decision: should he leave everything behind and move his whole family to a new place, just because someone he thought was gone forever (his son Joseph) is alive and waiting?
Have you ever had to decide between security and adventure, between what you know and what you hope for? Have you ever wondered if following a deep feeling or wish inside could really lead you to something better?
What Genesis 46 Says: The Big Move
“Israel [Jacob] travelled with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac.” (Genesis 46:1 WEB)
Jacob is called “Israel” here, which is important—his name means “One who struggles and then reconnects.” He has reason to hesitate. He’s old. Moving is a huge risk. But he also senses something deeper calling him forward. Before leaving, he pauses, checks in, and honors his roots. He’s not just running after a wish—he stops to reflect on his past and what really matters. He’s asking, “Am I making this choice from fear or from trust?”
- Awareness expands when we pause and let ourselves feel the weight of a decision.
- Your “roots” are your values and loves—the people and principles that matter most to you. Are you remembering them when making big choices?
“God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’… ‘Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation.’” (Genesis 46:2-3 WEB)
Jacob’s next step isn’t action, it’s listening. In a moment of quiet—like when you lie in bed before sleep—he hears a voice inside remind him: “Don’t be afraid. It’s OK to go. This change will make you grow stronger than you could imagine.”
Every big move in life starts not with action, but with awareness and a new feeling of possibility. Even if you’re scared, something quiet inside urges you forward. This is the moment where you get clear: Is there a part of you that trusts life is about to get bigger, not smaller?
Why This Matters For You
- When you face a big decision—maybe starting a new business, moving, or even saying yes to a scary opportunity—the feeling of fear will always show up first.
- But if you pause, listen, and check in deeply (before rushing ahead), you often find a quiet ‘yes’ that is more powerful than your loudest worry. That is the voice of greater awareness in you.
Awareness in Action: Taking the Whole Inner Family
“Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father… their little ones, and their wives… All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.” (Genesis 46:5-7 WEB)
Jacob does something important: he doesn’t go alone. He brings his entire family, all generations, and everything that matters. This is more than just a family trip—it’s about bringing your whole self into a new chapter. Every hope, every disappointment, all your past experiences—these travel with you into the unknown.
In your own life, this means:
- Don’t ignore your feelings, old dreams, or even fears when making a big move. Bring them with you. When you accept all parts of yourself, you’re not hiding—you're strong and honest.
- Trying to “leave your past behind” never works. Every win, every mistake, every lesson: they are part of what makes your new adventure possible.
Think about a time you tried to “start fresh” by leaving something out. Did it actually help—or did you realize you needed to own your whole story to really succeed?
Egypt: The New Land of Opportunity (and Challenge)
“These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt…” (Genesis 46:8 WEB)
The next part of the chapter lists every family member by name. It's a long list and probably feels boring at first—but there’s a mystical reason it matters.
- Every “descendant” or family member is like a part of your inner world—hopes, doubts, talents, and dreams.
- Listing each name is the Bible’s way of saying: you don't just move forward with the things you like about yourself. You bring your quirks, your skills, your old pains, your energy, your doubts—everything.
- In this inner adventure, “Egypt” is any new situation that feels different, risky, or unknown. It’s what happens when you go all in—when you decide to expand beyond the old, familiar way of living, working, or dreaming.
Where’s your “Egypt”—the place you want to go, but that feels unfamiliar? Are you naming all parts of yourself as worthy and needed on that journey?
The Joy and Emotion of Reunion
“Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father… he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.” (Genesis 46:29 WEB)
Joseph—Jacob’s long-lost son who became a ruler in Egypt—doesn’t just walk up and politely shake hands. He runs, hugs his father, and sobs with joy. This is one of the most emotional scenes in the whole Bible.
Think of a time you reconnected with a big dream you’d given up on, or when you came back to working on something you once loved but thought was lost—maybe a project, a friendship, or part of yourself. That feeling isn’t just relief. It’s deep gratitude, mixed with a bit of sorrow for the time you thought it was gone.
In this story, Joseph is the part of you that knows how to turn hard situations into new opportunities. Jacob is your deep emotional self that longs for hope. When faith and vision finally connect, there is huge energy—a big release. You remember why you started, and you see how far you’ve come.
Life Must Go On: Preparing for What’s Next
“Joseph said to his brothers… ‘I will go up, and speak to Pharaoh… You shall say, Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now…’” (Genesis 46:31-34 WEB)
Joseph gives his family practical advice for settling into their new life. He says: Be honest about who you are—shepherds, not Egyptian farmers. Own your story and skills, even if it makes you stand out.
- Every time you move into a new space—starting a business, joining a new team, introducing yourself somewhere important—there is a temptation to pretend or hide parts of yourself to fit in.
- But the real journey is about letting your real story, strengths, and even your differences, show.
Have you ever felt tempted to cover up your past or skills just to fit someone else’s expectations? What happened when you stood firm in who you really are?
This last part is so practical for entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders: Use what makes you unique. Don’t pretend. The parts you’ve lived, even the uncomfortable ones, are exactly what the “new land” needs.
Mystical Meaning: Genesis 46 as a Map of Your Own Adventure
- Every character in the story is a part of you. Jacob is the part that yearns and dreams; Joseph is the part that transforms loss into joy; the brothers and children are your hope, fear, persistence, and creativity.
- “Egypt” is any new place or opportunity that feels both exciting and a bit threatening. It’s the adventure your bigger self is calling you into.
- Awareness, pause, and listening are the first steps. Before a real outer change happens, something shifts inside: you notice the desire, listen to what matters most, and gather your inner family for the journey.
- Every bit of your story—even the awkward, painful, or strange bits—is valuable. Don’t leave anyone out.
- Real change comes with emotion—tears, laughter, and old wounds healed. Reunion isn’t quiet; it’s a celebration that you dared to try again.
- Settling into your new life requires honesty. Own your unique skills and background. It’s what makes your adventure a contribution, not just a quest for yourself.
Pop Culture Parallel: Think about Tim Tebow, the well-known athlete and broadcaster. He was a famous football player who, after some victories and losses, changed sports—and later moved into broadcasting and motivational speaking. Each time he started in a new “land,” he didn’t hide where he came from or what he believed; he let his story—and even his unique style—shape his new success. People loved him or argued about him, but no one could say he was pretending.
That’s the Genesis 46 journey: your unique story is your strength, not your weakness.
Try This: The “Inner Family” Check-in
Before your next big change or decision:
- Pause for a moment of quiet. (If you’re a parent, do this with your kids. If you’re an entrepreneur, do it before your next meeting.)
- List out every feeling, hope, and fear you have about the change—like Jacob naming every “descendant.” Don’t judge; just notice and welcome each part.
- Ask inside: “Is there a part of me that feels a ‘yes’ to this journey, even if I’m scared?”
- Own your whole story. What in your past, even the stuff you’re embarrassed about, could be useful in this new adventure?
- When you enter the “new land,” don’t pretend. Show up real. Let others see the whole of you.
Next Time: Genesis 47
In the next chapter, we’ll look at how to actually settle in and thrive after a big move—how to shift from being the “new kid” in a strange land to creating value, wealth, and stability for yourself and those around you. You’ll see how honoring your story gives you a seat at the table, not just a place in the crowd. The journey keeps going—and you never make it alone.
