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Thursday, November 3, 2005

"This Too Shall Pass"

"While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden" (Genesis 39:20, 21).

Life is made up of phases. Of course we recognize this in regard to ages such as infancy, childhood, teen, young, middle, and aged adult. We also use terms like "empty nesters" to describe parents whose children have grown and moved on. Some phases are certainly more challenging than others.

When we study the Bible and read the stories of God's work in people we also see these phases. However since the stories are condensed we may easily overlook the time span the Bible character went through in each phase. In many cases since we also know the "rest of the story" we tend to minimize what the Bible character was going through, although at the time they also did not know what the outcome would be.

I believe as they went through the phases that made up their lives they also dealt with the same emotions and questions we have such as:

    "Why is God allowing this to happen to me?"
    "How will this work out?"
    "Has God forgotten me?"
    "This isn't fair!"

Perhaps you can think of others.

Moses is the author of the first five books of the Bible, which includes Genesis. Many years following these events God inspired Moses to record the lives of the patriarchs, including Joseph.

After the horrific rejection and betrayal by his own brothers it seemed he was putting his life back together. He had a good job managing Potiphar's business. But this ended abruptly. Joseph took a stand against immorality when he was propositioned by Potiphar's wife. He was falsely accused and imprisoned.

But the inspired Scriptures make an observation of great hope, "While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him."  I wonder to what extent Joseph was aware of the Lord's presence at the time. Based upon his faithfulness and the information in the rest of the story I believe he did have this assurance.

"He (God) showed him kindness." Even in the midst of this difficult phase God bestowed His kindness on Joseph. What a blessing it is to experience God's kindness when we go through a trial phase in life.

"And granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." This sets up the manner in which God would deliver Joseph in His perfect time. Whatever we are going through we can be assured that God is always working things out for the good on our behalf (Romans 8:28).

God is with us and is working in His children especially through the hard places and phases of life. My Mom is extremely weak at this time. After I ministered to her needs this morning she said "Turn on WDAC", one of our local Christian radio stations. This song was playing about 5:30 this morning and I sure hope it ministered to her heart. I know it did mine. As we pass through life's phases we can have an assurance that "this too shall pass." May this encourage you today as well.

This is my desire, to honor You.
Lord with all my heart I worship You.
All I have within me I give You praise.
All that I adore is in You.

Lord I give You my heart.
I give You my soul.
I live for You alone
Ev'ry breath that I take
Ev'ry moment I'm awake
Lord have Your way in me. *


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer – Lord Jesus, in today's text, I notice that You were with Joseph "while" he was in the midst of a tremendous trial, due to no fault of his own.  In fact, he was suffering because of the strong, moral stand he took.  I'm so glad you don't forsake me when I am undergoing trial but You are right there with me showing me Your grace and favor.   You use Scriptures, devotional thoughts, sermons and Christians to bring me encouragement, instruction, and inspiration.  They help me to weather the howling storms of doubts and fears in the trial phases of my life.  Thank You for bringing modern day "Josephs" into my life who spur me on to recognize Your unfolding plan.  Help me to trust You as step by step You lead me in every phase of my earthly pilgrimage.  In Your name, Jesus, I pray.  Amen.


Personal note - Today's message is borne out of our own experience at this time. Our life is at a very challenging phase and at this time we just don't know the specific outcome or timing in regards to how the Lord is going to work it all out. As regular readers know I resigned last year from the position I had with a chaplaincy EAP agency due to severe concerns as to how the company was run. Brooksyne also left early this year. Since this time we have both sought to further develop this online ministry. We also seek opportunities to speak in various churches. Thankfully this door has opened, particularly since August, and I have had the opportunity to speak each Sunday.

The care of my 84-year-old mother, who lives with us, is a big factor at this time. Her health has diminished through the year, and as mentioned yesterday, she now requires our constant care. She now has some medical issues that may require a visit to the emergency room and then we just wonder where she will be placed.

As a minister I realize I may eventually have to relocate to fulfill God's call on my life but we realize how extremely hard it would be to do this with my Mom's condition and also would be very reluctant to move on and leave her without children nearby, particularly since she has only lived in this area about five years now. So day by day we work through this and apply the truths of today's message to our own situation, realizing in God's time, this too shall pass.


* "I Give You My Heart" Morgan, Reuben Integrity Music, Inc. © 1995 Reuben Morgan (Hillsong) (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music) CCLI License No. 2005306
Here is an audio file of this song.

This song is on the website of a Canadian Church that has a lot of music recorded during their worship service.  May God bless them!


 

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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.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am 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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