Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, he spent years in prison. Yet, despite it all; Joseph clearly believed as he said, “it was not you that sent me hither, but God” (Genesis 45:8). He was not bitter or angry about his circumstances. His brothers were afraid. Knowing what they had done, they thought certainly Joseph must harbor anger against them. After all, their hearts would have. Their hearts, filled with selfishness, jealously hated him; because, his righteousness was beloved by both God and their father. They despised his position of honor. Instead of learning to live by faith, they took life into their own hands, rather than to trust God. All too often, we are more like his brothers than we are like Joseph.
Have you ever looked at the difficulties in your life and jealously despised others whom God has blessed? Be honest here. Do you see the difficult circumstances as God’s Sovereign Grace working in your life to make you a blessing to those who have wronged you? Despite the years of trials, Joseph trusted God. He even told his brothers, “Fear not, for I am in the place of God. But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:19-20).
Do you trust God, no matter what the circumstances? Your response to life’s bitter circumstances may be the testimony that changes the eternity of another soul. Can you forgive those who have wronged you, recognizing God is Sovereign and ALL that comes into your life is for your good? EVERYTHING is God’s act of grace toward you, drawing you closer to Him, His purpose, His plan for you.
Joseph-Keeping Focused on the Finish Line
When Joseph was young, God gave him two dreams in which he was in a place of power. God’s promise to Joseph. He may not have fully understood those dreams. Did he remember them along the journey? Do we? God promises to each believer a place in eternity with Him. He has promised us heaven. Yet, this journey is long and treacherous; but, this is not our final destiny. Our entire life is but a second in time compared to eternity. We are told, no matter how hard the circumstances of life to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the finish line.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Hebrews 12:1-3).
The finish line may seem dim and far away at times; but, it is nearer than we think. Yet, a little while and we shall see His face for all of eternity. When Joseph died, he reminded all of the Israelites of the promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. One day they would possess the land that God gave them. (Genesis 50:24).
Remember a Caravan is on its Way
When Joseph was placed in the pit by his brothers, they intended to kill him or leave him to starve. But, they looked up and saw a caravan in the distance. So, they sold him into slavery. That caravan had traveled far along their journey. What were the chances it arrived at just the right moment? Ah, you see that was God. No, they were not men of God in that caravan; but, God is Sovereign over all the earth. Even these men who journeyed to Egypt to sell slaves, God placed in that spot, at that moment.
What impossible circumstance do you face today? Know this! God has already sent a caravan to save you. He will pull you out of the pit at just the right moment.
Falsely Accused for Faith and Obedience to God
Joseph remained honorable and faithful to God, even as a servant to Potiphar. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him many times, he said no. Despite this, God allowed her to falsely accuse him and he went to prison. There he would sit for years before God in His timing placed him in a position of power with Pharaoh. All of that time, God prepared Joseph for the position he was to undertake.
Have you been falsely accused for standing up for God? Or criticized for doing the right thing, regardless of the pressure to sin? Know this! God is preparing you for something big.
What is Faith?
Faith is Knowing God IS and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrew 11:6). Never forget this. God is Sovereign, Omnipotent; full of grace and mercy to those who accept His gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son. His plan is always good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). ALL things. Not just what appears easy and good; but, all things.
So, the only question is: “Do you know Him? Have you ever accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Quotes to Twitter
[tweetthis]Whatever Pit you face Know this! God has already sent a caravan to save you[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Faith is Knowing God IS & He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrew 11:6)” via=”no”]
[tweetthis]Facing Trials for your faith? Know this! God is preparing you for something big[/tweetthis]
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Recently released Books Available
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ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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