In Over Your Head

There was once a somewhat backward farmer who stopped by his neighbors to tell them that their son was stuck in a mud hole. “How deep is he sunk?” the boy’s father asked “About to his ankles,” the farmer replied lazily. “Well” said the father, “only up to his ankles—we’ve got time to set awhile and have a drink before we go. “I don’t think so.” The laid-back farmer answered. “He’s in head first.” Have you ever felt like you were in over your head? I think that must have been the way Jacob felt in Genesis 42:36. His sons had just returned from Egypt. They were required to leave Simeon behind and were told if they planned to visit again they must bring their youngest brother with them. This distressed father felt he had lost too much. Listen to his agonizing words. “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and you will take Benjamin away, all these things are against me.” Indeed it appeared as if Jacob was losing it all. That’s how you feel when you’re in over your head. However, when feeling this way we need only to look at the rest of the story. By doing so we like Jacob are left with some wonderful truths that bring consolation. Let me mention a few for consideration: First, things are never as bad as they appear to be. Second, much of what we think is lost continues to live. Third, at the end of every request is retribution. And finally, in the midst of our problems we find a Prince that’s looking to help us rather than harm us. While things may look out of control, further investigation may just reveal that you are not in over your head at all.