Wednesday, January 13, 2010

For good

How many times have I been wowed by the life of Joseph? Only every time I read it. But today it seems extra vivid and close to home. His life is true integrity in adversity. Adversity that drags on and on and on. Adversity he did nothing to deserve. Adversity that just when he thought it might be all over.....NOPE, IT'S NOT.....and then he didn't know if it ever would be.

But the most amazing thing about his story is the end. Years and years later. After so many terrible unknowns, it was all working towards "proving him true" (Ps. 105:19). And for the greater blessing of Joseph, his family, and Egypt. I LOVE and cling to his response to his brothers: "What you meant for evil, God meant for good." (Gen. 50:20)

As Christians, we have the promise that every day we face has a purpose, that "EVERY thing is working together for our good."(Romans 8:28) Especially the hard times that throw us into a pit. Really, if we read the Bible properly, suffering, hurt, pain is all part the plan to see who we really are; to help make us better. That doesn't always make sense, but it is a fact that that's how God works. He "sits as a purifier and refiner of silver." (Mal. 3:3) He never tricks us, is never surprised by something the comes our way. The Bible promises"He knows the way I take, when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) In fact, we are to "consider it all joy, because the testing of [our] faith develops perseverance. [And] perseverance must finish it's work so you can be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

I want to be mature and complete, not lacking anything! And I know for a fact that God has started a good work in me. And since He has, He "will be faithful to complete it." Like Joesph sold into slavery, and sitting in that horrifying prison for years on end, who in the world knows where all this pain is leading? But I hold on to the hope, that as long as I keep trusting, believing, and doing the very best I can to hold onto Him thru all of this, that some day, I will be able to say "See? He meant it for good. He meant it for good! Praise God! I couldn't see it at the time, but He meant it for good!"

1 comment:

  1. Praise God. You just hold on to that and I believe you will not be disappointed. LOVE YOU. Katie

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