Scripture records Joseph overcoming enormous obstacles:
Sold as a slave by his own brothers, he forgave (Genesis 50:15-21).
Falsely accused by a wicked woman and thrown into prison, he persevered (Genesis 39:1-21).
Did he ever say, "I can't take any more, Lord!"? Did he ever want to give up?
Scripture doesn't record those details. But we know Joseph was human, so it's likely that he struggled at times.
But the incredible message of Joseph's life is that he let God be God:
When praised by kings, he gave God the credit. “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Genesis 41:14-16
When he was in a position to take revenge on his brothers, he said, "Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?" Genesis 50:19
He suffered. He persevered. And he trusted God to be God whether speaking before kings or comforting sinful family members.
Let's do the same.
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This post reminds of my dear friend Sherri. We've been email pals for about 14 years. The past 3 years have not been good oens - she lost her sister (they were best friends) to cancer, and then her husband’s brother to cancer the next week. Then a few months later Sherri's husband lost his job at 59. No matter what he did he couldn't get another one. They sold their house (with dramas) and moved from Texas to Wyoming where her parents lived as her Dad (who was a Pastor for many years before retiring) had dementia and they wanted to help her Mum. They had a house there that they had rented to Christians who they said were going to buy it but never did. On their return they found the house a mess and all sorts of work needed doing. Her husband thought maybe the Lord would provide a job there, but it didn't happen. Sherri’s Dad died.
ReplyDeleteThey then moved to Washington where their grown children lived as a friend offered Sherri's husband a part time job while he looked for something more permanent. He went ahead and Sherri stayed to sell their house is a very depressed market in Wyoming. Within 24 hours of putting it on the market it was sold for what they wanted and Sherri followed up to Washington in about 2 months from when David went. About 3 months later and no permanent job David began to feel unwell. Tests revealed he had cancer in his kidney, liver and about 20 spots on his lung. He passed away 3 months later. That was a month ago. Both Sherri and David had their Joseph time and yet they kept close to God and prayed their way through all their troubles for the past 3 years. And even now Sherri wakes up in the mornings and asked God to help her get through the day and she said that somehow she does.
She has stayed faithful inspite of all the things that have happened to her just like Joseph did. A great testimony for her children and for me also.
There are so many heroes of the faith like your friends who never let their faith waver despite the many hardships they suffer. It is a real testimony to loving the Lord no matter what happens, knowing that He still loves us and is always present to comfort us in our sorrows. Your friends let God be God. I pray that Sherri continues to daily feel the wonderful comfort and guidance of her Lord.
DeleteGail
good message.
ReplyDelete