Over the last 24 hours something unusual happened - I heard a sermon on Joseph (Genesis 37-46). What, you ask, is so unusual about that? Well it seems God must be trying to say something to me because I have heard almost the exact sermon three times, yesterday morning in church and twice in the car this morning on my way to work. There are so many things we can learn from Joseph’s story but today I am reminded that God is a God who wants to transform us. Sometimes this transformation can happen without much notice being taken on our parts, but usually transformation happens by way of challenges, difficulties and pain. Growth is rarely painless!
When he was a young man Joseph was shown visions of the future in his dreams. In his youthful excitement he threw caution to the wind and made a big blunder by telling his brothers he would end up ruling them one day. This was the beginning of what was about to be a very long and difficult season in his life.
Here we go rapid fire... Joseph's brothers plot to kill him but sell him instead - great start, right? He is sold again to Potiphar, whose wife (let’s just say she was the original desperate housewife) tries to seduce him. Joseph makes like Forest Gump and RUNS. Mrs. Potiphar lies and twists the truth so Joseph ends up being tossed from Potiphar’s house into the "big house". While in jail Joseph has an encounter with the pharaoh’s baker and cup bearer which turns out to be good for one and bad for the other. Finally, he ends up interpreting dreams for Pharaoh and is placed in charge of all of Egypt. When famine strikes and his brothers end up on his doorstep looking to buy food Joseph, who could get even for all of their treachery, instead decides to have just a little fun at their expense. In the end he reconciles with his brothers and saves God’s people from starvation.
Joseph’s story is full of pain and difficulties yet he keeps his eyes on God, his pride in check, and he holds to the knowledge that God has a plan. Slavery and prison were not pleasant to be sure, but Joseph allows God to use this time and these experiences to grow him, and as a result he discovers personal freedom and an ability to forgive his brothers that is almost incomprehensible.
No matter what you are going through today, keep your eyes focused on God. Be cautious about casting blame, circumstances might not be anyone’s fault; it could be God redirecting your path. I have heard several pastors say instead of asking God why, maybe we should ask ourselves why not. I do not believe that God always causes our difficulties as punishment for sin - sometimes our difficulties have absolutely nothing to do with us but are there to draw others to God.
Whatever the reason for your struggle or difficulty be like Joseph and grow from it. You will certainly benefit yourself, but who knows, you just might be a blessing to someone else...or even save a nation.
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