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Wednesday,
September 7, 2005
"Recognizing God's Purpose"
"Recognizing God's Purpose"
"And now, do not be distressed and do
not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to
save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5).
Today you may be going through a very hard time. It may be due to a natural disaster like a hurricane. It may be a personal health issue. It may be due to the evil acts of others. A critical test of character is how we respond to adversity both on the short-term and the long-term.
Joseph had lost his favored position and his treasured possession, the coat of many colors. He was separated from his father, who presumed he was dead. His own brothers dropped him in a pit and sold him into Egyptian slavery.
In Egypt when things started to look up he was lied about and wrongly accused. He spent years in prison, forgotten, even after he was called upon to interpret a remarkable dream. But he kept his faith.
In time he was released and arose to the second highest position in Egypt. His brothers had come to Egypt in search of food due to a famine and now they stood in terror before him. He was in a position to get even and they expected revenge.
But Joseph demonstrates a remarkable evidence of God's work in His life. He recognized God had a purpose and was providentially leading, even through circumstances of the very worst sort. It was ultimately not the vicious act of his brothers nor the Ishmaelite slave traders which got him to Egypt. "God sent me ahead of you", Joseph asserted. What faith!
Are you walking in God's ways today? Are you facing adversity and trying circumstances? Remember God leads through the trying times and He always has a purpose.
When through fiery trials Thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be Thy supply.
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and Thy gold to refine.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, may we really take to heart the Scripture that reminds us, "Our times are in Your hands." Though we know it in our hearts, help us to understand with our minds that You have a divine plan unfolding in our lives this and every day. Thank you for the marvelous story of Joseph's triumphant spirit that far exceeds his adversity. He remained faithful to You though he went through much adversity and mysterious times. Please remind us when things look seemingly impossible and unfair that we have not lost favor with You. Help us to truly commit our time into Your hands, trusting You moment by moment as You reveal Your plan in our lives. For we know that faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted. Help us to stand the test! In Your mighty Name, Amen.
Today you may be going through a very hard time. It may be due to a natural disaster like a hurricane. It may be a personal health issue. It may be due to the evil acts of others. A critical test of character is how we respond to adversity both on the short-term and the long-term.
Joseph had lost his favored position and his treasured possession, the coat of many colors. He was separated from his father, who presumed he was dead. His own brothers dropped him in a pit and sold him into Egyptian slavery.
In Egypt when things started to look up he was lied about and wrongly accused. He spent years in prison, forgotten, even after he was called upon to interpret a remarkable dream. But he kept his faith.
In time he was released and arose to the second highest position in Egypt. His brothers had come to Egypt in search of food due to a famine and now they stood in terror before him. He was in a position to get even and they expected revenge.
But Joseph demonstrates a remarkable evidence of God's work in His life. He recognized God had a purpose and was providentially leading, even through circumstances of the very worst sort. It was ultimately not the vicious act of his brothers nor the Ishmaelite slave traders which got him to Egypt. "God sent me ahead of you", Joseph asserted. What faith!
Are you walking in God's ways today? Are you facing adversity and trying circumstances? Remember God leads through the trying times and He always has a purpose.
When through fiery trials Thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be Thy supply.
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and Thy gold to refine.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, may we really take to heart the Scripture that reminds us, "Our times are in Your hands." Though we know it in our hearts, help us to understand with our minds that You have a divine plan unfolding in our lives this and every day. Thank you for the marvelous story of Joseph's triumphant spirit that far exceeds his adversity. He remained faithful to You though he went through much adversity and mysterious times. Please remind us when things look seemingly impossible and unfair that we have not lost favor with You. Help us to truly commit our time into Your hands, trusting You moment by moment as You reveal Your plan in our lives. For we know that faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted. Help us to stand the test! In Your mighty Name, Amen.
This Spring
Brooksyne planted morning glories from seed.
Now we are reaping a harvest of their beauty!
Now we are reaping a harvest of their beauty!
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I
have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My
mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to
prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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