Key Verse:  Genesis 42:38 But he said, “My brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”

Jacob and his sons were in a bad place as a family. Because Jacob was not leading his family well, they became passive. It was time for the brothers to return to Egypt, but Jacob was a depressed man who could not see the positive in the situation. Finally, after some time, Jacob chooses to have hope and says, “Perhaps it was an oversight.”

Questions to discuss as a family today

1. Who do you have in your life that can help you see the difference between the facts and the fiction in your situation? Have you talked to them about a hard situation recently? Why or why not?

2. In order to “reject passivity”, what decision do you need to make this week regarding a tough situation?

3. What are your “perhaps” scriptures (the ones that give you hope in all circumstances)? Choose a few and read them together at mealtime or bedtime.

Prayer

Praise God for your life. Tell Him all the reasons you are thankful. Then confess where you feel like your life is a complete mess. Claim the truth that you were created by a perfect Maker, who will never leave you. Remember that you are not alone!