Do you know that feeling when you have run out of options? When you have tried everything, and there is still no clear way forward? Jacob knew it. He is an old, grief-stricken man by now. He lost Joseph years ago, or believes he has. Famine has now brought him to this place of releasing Benjamin, his last treasured son. This is high-risk. He doesn’t know it all sits in the providence of God.
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. 12 Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. 14 And may God Almightygrant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” (Genesis 43 v 11-14)
Egypt is demanding its remaining loved son, Benjamin. He has already lost the other one, Joseph. All that Jacob truly has left, beyond the spices and the gifts, is an appeal for mercy. He does not understand why God is allowing this. He does not know the heart of this man in Egypt or his intention. Nothing is certain anymore.
He has done what he could. He has prayed all the prayers. It is out of his hands now. His surrender comes before he knows that the story does not end in tragedy but in blessing. Faith is faith when we let go in the dark. He prays, and he opens his hands in complete trust.
Perhaps you are at a similar place right now. You have prayed more times than you can count. And you are still waiting for the answer you need.
This section of the story shows us that surrender will not necessarily feel peaceful. But it is the deepest form of trust.
You do not have to see the whole story to trust the one who is writing it.
Some days, all you have left is mercy.
Missions Paul 