PASTOR’S NOTES
There is no one as discerning and wise as you.”
How things have changed in just a few verses for Joseph! In just one chapter’s time, Joseph went from prison to almost complete control of Egypt. Just a handful of verses and his life has completely changed! During the last two weeks of sermons, we have spent most of our time focusing on trusting and having patience in God’s sovereign plan in our life. That “circumstances do not define God’s goodness, His presence does“. The last two weeks have been centered on trusting that God is in the trenches with us and calling us to not lose hope that all things could turn around in just a chapter’s time. In this truth, we are also reminded that in the trenches God is not only with us, but has us there because He is doing a great work in our life to make us more like His son.
This is good news!
Psalm 37 tells us from last Sunday, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” When we are in “prisons” and hard circumstances, seek peace in knowing that God is in control. God is on His throne and Jesus has paid all of our debt!
Never forget these truths.
As much as that is a challenge to do, I have found that not forgetting God once we are free can be just as challenging. Truth is, being close to the Lord and seeing His hand in your life could even be easier in the prisons of life than it is when you are free and doing well. Joseph’s life from here on out is going to drastically change. He will go from lonely and behind bars to in charge and a family. The question is, will he stay as faithful in freedom as he did in hardship?
If you look at our world, especially our country, we see that mankind quickly drifts from God once freedom and success is experienced. We were a country built on Godly foundations and in our prosperity, look at us now. What happened? The answer to this question is not too hard to find as this is a common theme throughout the history of man. It seems that the more we have and been given, the more unfaithful we become. This trend is as strange as what we see in other examples of man’s fall, such as “the abused often abuse others.” One would think that blessings would lead to greater worship. It’s just not the case.
What’s so encouraging about the character of Joseph is that Joseph increases faith and kindness the more success he experiences. This is just not the case for many. Joseph did not walk away from God during his 13 years of hardship, nor did he forget God in his freedom. Take time this week to thank God for all that He has and continues to do in your life! Point to God in every blessing and give Him all the praise for all things good in your life.
God is good!
EXTRA READING THIS WEEK
Read Psalms 107 and spend time looking at God in the same light as the psalmist did in this chapter.
