Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 14:1-7
Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Proverbs 4:11-13
Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 44:1-45:28
"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....God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt." (45:4-8)
Does
God, in his sovereignty, use acts of injustice for his purpose?
Does God, use painful, hard times to prepare us for the things he has
planned for us? Does God really work out all things for good for
those who love him and are called according to his purpose? All
things?
That is exactly what Joseph believed. Despite the injustice and pain of being betrayed, abandoned and sold into slavery, Joseph knew that God was using that event for a greater purpose. Joseph could see the hand of God in it all, and he grew through the experience. The tough times in Joseph's life were the very things that caused growth and maturity of character. They were the things that caused him to trust God and become the leader God was preparing him to become.
Understanding this truth, allowed Joseph to release forgiveness to his brothers. I'm sure that the work of healing had long been done in his heart--he had already dealt with the matter and brought the injustice, pain and hurt to God. For these are the words of a man whose heart has found healing and wholeness, not the words of someone who refuses to forgive and holds on to anger or bitterness.
When people hurt us, we often withold forgiveness, thinking we gain some power through that over those who've hurt us. But the truth is, we cannot hold on to these things--they eat us up inside. The need to forgive deeply from the heart is a daily need (Jesus taught us that in the Lord's Prayer). As we take the hurt to Jesus, he helps us to forgive and move beyond the pain, the anger, the bitterness.
When you are hurt, take the wound to Jesus. Place it in his scars and allow him to take it from you. Allow him to enable you to forgive. Then you will find freedom-- a heart that is free. Only a heart that has found such healing is able to deal with the situation with the maturity we see here in Joseph.
Yes, God uses even the hurts from difficult people and the wounds from difficult circumstances to accomplish his purposes. Forgive those who've hurt you and move on. Expect that God will use even this to prepare you for the good things he has ahead for you.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 15:1-5
Genesis 46:1 - 47:31
Matthew 15:1-28
Proverbs 4:14-19
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.
That is exactly what Joseph believed. Despite the injustice and pain of being betrayed, abandoned and sold into slavery, Joseph knew that God was using that event for a greater purpose. Joseph could see the hand of God in it all, and he grew through the experience. The tough times in Joseph's life were the very things that caused growth and maturity of character. They were the things that caused him to trust God and become the leader God was preparing him to become.
Understanding this truth, allowed Joseph to release forgiveness to his brothers. I'm sure that the work of healing had long been done in his heart--he had already dealt with the matter and brought the injustice, pain and hurt to God. For these are the words of a man whose heart has found healing and wholeness, not the words of someone who refuses to forgive and holds on to anger or bitterness.
When people hurt us, we often withold forgiveness, thinking we gain some power through that over those who've hurt us. But the truth is, we cannot hold on to these things--they eat us up inside. The need to forgive deeply from the heart is a daily need (Jesus taught us that in the Lord's Prayer). As we take the hurt to Jesus, he helps us to forgive and move beyond the pain, the anger, the bitterness.
When you are hurt, take the wound to Jesus. Place it in his scars and allow him to take it from you. Allow him to enable you to forgive. Then you will find freedom-- a heart that is free. Only a heart that has found such healing is able to deal with the situation with the maturity we see here in Joseph.
Yes, God uses even the hurts from difficult people and the wounds from difficult circumstances to accomplish his purposes. Forgive those who've hurt you and move on. Expect that God will use even this to prepare you for the good things he has ahead for you.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 15:1-5
Genesis 46:1 - 47:31
Matthew 15:1-28
Proverbs 4:14-19
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.