Where do you need to step up and take responsibility?  There is always a cost involved – a question we should ask ourselves – am I willing to spend the time and energy giving up what I want in order to step up to my responsibility?

Judah, an older brother of Joseph, took the lead role in convincing his father, Jacob-Israel, to let Benjamin go down to Egypt with the ten brothers for needed grain during a severe famine.

In the process, Judah gave his father respect and he would abide by Jacob’s decision.  Judah laid out the facts, again, to his father: “The man” in Egypt said to bring Benjamin down when they returned or they would not get any grain for their great needs.

Judah and his brothers reassured their father that “the man” asked specific questions about their father and younger brother.  Their logical defense was given to their distraught and grieving father.
(Genesis 43:1-7)

Judah had a well-thought out plan which helped his father to agree to allow Benjamin to go down to Egypt with them.  Judah continued to respect his father and let him make the final decision.  Judah also took personal responsibility for bringing Benjamin back to their father, Jacob.  (Genesis 43:8-9)

The only time Judah revealed his frustration with his father was when he said,

(NASB) Genesis 43:10 “For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.”

~ Take it to heart ~

Stepping up to responsibility will involve a cost.

Stepping up to responsibilities will also yield fruit beyond our imagination!