Genesis 43:2 (NKJV) 

“And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, ‘Go back, buy us a little food.’”

It does not say how long it took before the grains they brought were all eaten but all this while they ate at home, their brother Simeone was in jail waiting for their return. Whether they had forgotten him or they only feared to go back to Joseph without Benjamin, the fact was: Jacob didn’t permit his sons going back until the family was out of food again.

Why was this? It was clear that Jacob placed more value on Benjamin than Simeone and was willing to sacrifice Simeone to Egypt rather than risk releasing Benjamin to his brothers.  

We only engage in risk when the price is worth it. Outline your life priorities, and it will become clear the things you would be willing to sacrifice. Just as Jacob would not take a risk for Simeone, we will not take risks for things we don’t consider as our priorities. 

“Lord, may I not expend time and energy on things of low priority in my life. For the things, that matter to You, may these always be my priority and may I be willing to take risks for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”