TRUST GOD IN JOYS AND SORROWS

TRUST GOD IN JOYS AND SORROWS

So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. —Genesis 37:28

Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. —Genesis 37:36

Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. —Acts 7:9-10

They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.” —Genesis 42:21

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. —Genesis 50:20

            The callousness and evil plotting of man does not hinder the plan of God.  He can work through anything man means for evil and further His perfect and righteous plan.  So it was when Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him into slavery.  His brothers would not consider Joseph’s distress nor listen to his pleas.  Their hearts were harden toward him and they valued his life at a mere 20 pieces of silver.  How sad…

            When bad things happen to us or even when evil men conspire against us, fear not, as followers of Jesus He is always with us (Matthew 28:20) and will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  The race that He has “marked out for us” contains the various hills, valleys and flats of life.  Whether we are in a joyous, easier time of life or a grievous, more difficult time of life, He is right there with us working out His purposes and we can trust Him for that.

            I know a person who is so focused on his immediate difficult situation so much so that he has a hopelessness outlook on life.  He obsesses on that which he perceives as problems and cannot see any solution.  Life is dark, damp, dull and a disaster to him.  Even though there is hope in his not too distant future, he does not focus on that, but only on where he is right now.  He doesn’t ever believe things are going to get better and that he is stuck in his situation for life.

            Joseph went through difficulty, but he still served God during the difficult times.  If we do not serve God and understand that He has our lives in His hands then life can seem meaningless, especially in difficult times.  In difficult times some do not even think it worth wild to be living.  Such is the state of utter despair and despondency.  It is a terrible place to be.  But God is over all situations— good and evil.  Nothing will hinder His hand and we know the end of the story.  We are headed to heaven where there will be no more difficulties, but only righteousness, peace and joy with Jesus and all who love Him.  So keep your nose pressed to the window, looking in hopeful expectation.  He is faithful and will do what He says.  Trust Him.  Wait on Him.  We will soon be with Him! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xOCRYENXTk&index=2&list=UUf1NPIFOBwzTLVQiEDnq4Cw

Dear Father, I am so grateful to know that whatever happens in this life, good or bad, that You can be fully trusted to carry out Your purposes.  May I rest in You by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son, Jesus.  So be it!