“These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.” — Acts 7:9-10
Bad news seems to be everywhere. Without a doubt, it’s hard to have faith when things look bad. There’s tremendous turmoil in the world around us, complicated health troubles, and incredibly hard days.
All of this makes me think about Joseph. We’ve been studying Hebrews at church — Joseph is in the Hall of Faith. He is a tremendous example to us. Things in his life always seemed to go from bad to worse. You know the story. His father favored him, his brothers hated him and sold him into slavery. After being wrongfully accused, he was imprisoned. Talk about terrible circumstances, fear and injustice.
However, Joseph’s life did not end on a low note. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Eventually, the Lord honored Joseph. He used him to spare the lives of his own family and millions of other people. His life’s example truly belongs in the Hall of Faith.
The Story Is Not Over Yet
What are you facing right now? Are you troubled by circumstances? Is your faith challenged or threatened?
Men and women, I want to encourage you (and me), that the story IS NOT OVER YET! The Lord works behind the scenes and through every troubling circumstance. He brings glory to His name and unbelievable joy to His children.
Genesis 42:21 tells us that Joseph “Pleaded for his life” and “cried out in distress” when his brothers threw him into the pit. He begged for release from prison in Genesis 40. He pleaded his case to Pharaoh (as he was unjustly imprisoned and forced into a dungeon).
When we look at the life of Joseph, we see that he certainly had times of despair, pain and tears. But, we also see a life of faith yielded to the Lord. He sought the Lord’s plan in the good times and the bad. We think of Joseph, see his example, and understand that the Lord used even terrible circumstances to bring about unbelievable good.
Men and women, don’t lose heart. God is not done with your story. There may be unbelievable pain in your life. However, there is a new day coming. Jesus knows what’s around the corner for you. As with Joseph, He is building your character and your faith. Just like Joseph, we have an opportunity to be examples of tremendous faith. Joy is just around the corner.
Trusting Jesus with you.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor