Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 21– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“There is corn in Egypt.” 

—Genesis 42:2

Famine pinched all the nations, and it seemed inevitable that Jacob and his family would suffer great need. But the God of providence, who never forgets the objects of his electing love, had established a granary for his people; he had warned the Egyptians of the approaching scarcity and led them to treasure up grain during the years of plenty. Little did Jacob expect deliverance to come from Egypt, but there was the corn in the storehouse for him.

Dear believer, even if it seems that all is against you, rest assured that God has made a reservation on your behalf. In the list of your sorrows, there is a saving clause; he will deliver and provide for you. The direction from which your rescue will come may be unexpected, but help will most surely come, and you will magnify the name of the Lord. If men do not feed you, ravens will. If the earth does not yield wheat, heaven will send manna. Therefore, be encouraged, and rest quietly in the Lord.

Remember, the corn in Egypt was all in the hands of Joseph, the one God loved so dearly. He opened or closed the granaries at will. So too, the riches of providence are all in the absolute power of our Lord Jesus who will dispense them liberally to his people. Joseph was quite ready to help his own family, and Jesus never ceases to care for his brothers.

Our response is to receive the help which has been provided for us. We must not sit still in despondency but be stirred to action. Let us start with prayer and it will soon carry us into the presence of our royal Brother. Before his throne we only need to ask and have. His storehouses are not empty. His heart is not hard. He will give the corn to us. Lord, forgive our unbelief, and compel us this evening to draw from your fulness and receive grace upon grace. [M&E]