but the Lord was always with the young man, he had been given many gifts and talents.. he was a man of integrity and great business sense... God made the people he worked for treat him well and with favour... still, there were things that didn't go well... doing the right thing , standing up for what was right even got him thrown into prison... and again... he was still living a life that brought glory to God and got him a better position...over all though... not much changed for him.. circumstances stayed the same.. but he never gave up... fixing his eyes on his God and remembering the dreams he had, trusting that God still had this special plan for him made him continue to do what was right and honor God..
there is much to be learned from Joseph's story... we have the benefit of knowing what the special plan was and how God was turning what his brother's had meant for evil into something very good... Joseph didn't know... in the many years of his captivity his life must have been rather hard and I am sure it was quite bleak at times.. he never gave up .... he held on to the promise of the dreams he had... he held onto what he knew was right even while others around him continued to do wrong, sin against him...
standing up for what is right, continuing to trust while circumstances are not changing... trusting God's promises even though all around seems so very unfair... standing firm and fixing my eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary... accepting pain without demanding justice...
He who knows the beginning from end.. He who is the Sovereign God of the Universe.. He who is good all the time... who put the stars in their place ... He who in all things works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose... He is going to come through for those that trust in Him..He will let His face shine on his servant; He will save me in his unfailing love... He is faithful and worthy of all praise...
In His time He will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
So no matter how difficult it is, I am choosing to hold on ... I also glory in my suffering, because I know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put me to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into my heart through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to me.
what seems unfair now will be made right by the One who judges the living and the dead.... in His hands I entrust my children and myself... offering up all my sadness and pain... praying that I will be able, by His grace to bring glory and honor to His name... the Name above all Names...
My Lord and Saviour.. Jesus Christ... AMEN
