Genesis 43:1-34
Jacob is still dragging his feet while Simeon is forced to sit in an Egyptian prison. And this might have been the scenario for a long time if the food situation hadn't continued to get worse for Jacob. As we start off in Genesis 43:1, we see that the severity of the famine forces Jacob to give in and send his sons, including Benjamin, back to Egypt. Now Jacob isn't happy about this, but God is at work in the situation, and in the end, it all turns out for Jacob's and his family's own good.
So has God ever forced your hand? What did He show you and what did you learn from the situation? Tami W.
I have a question and it is off the subject.
How do I as a woman not run over my husband spiritually? I totally believe in prayer. I believe it could be a huge impact on our marriage if we prayed together. Am I leading spiritually if I am the one that says lets pray?
We have a hard time in our spiritual walk together, we see things differently. Our marriage started off with out God for about 13 years, then about 5 years ago God, has been a part of my life and has changed me. My heart goes out because I am so drawn on learning and walking with others in Christ, I do not see in him. I know it is a matter of time, I took time. In the mean time, it is hard when you see you are not exactly on the same page, and don't see God personally.
To me there is such a big difference between knowing God personally and knowing of Him.
I knew of God for years, 5 years ago it became a personal knowledge and relationship.
In this passage the forgiveness speaks to me the fact that the famine was bad and the father having to give his last son to go with the others to get food. The forgiveness of Joseph and wanting to care for his family no matter what has taken place in the past. Jesus did this for us by dying on the cross so we won't be apart from him due to our sins. Thank you lord for giving us this most precious gift.
GOD forces my hand with one question: What Would Jesus Do? If I wouldn't do as Jesus would, I missed the mark!
To Anonymous: Get all the Believers you know (including those here)praying for conviction & conversion of your husband and thanking GOD for HIS marvelous work of salvation!
Via con Dios amigos!
This is also off topic, but about forgiveness. I am a believer but was best friends with someone who is not...totally on the opposite scale. I wanted to try and be an example to her and we became very close for over 7 years, work together, were together at work and outside of work. I offended her by not opening up to her about helping another friend who was not emotionally stable at the time and asked me to not say anything about her condition, she is also a co worker and was trying to keep things private at work. My best friend has told me that she does not want to be friends outside of work anymore and is trying everything to avoid me at work. I have written an apology letter but do not feel that keeping certain things private had to be done as I would grant her the same wish. What steps sound I take to help her to forgive me or should I just stay quiet and do nothing. I will continue to pray for her salvation . God has to force our hand at times to allow his work to continue and his light shine through us. Thank you Lord for using average people to do this.
I had to learn to rely on God and not my own understanding. That is how God forced my hand.
God forces my hand when in various situations I'm forced to ask myself (by the Holy Spirit, no doubt)not What Would Jesus Do, but what would you do if Jesus were here, physically right now. It's then that I remember that He IS there and my words and actions will not be in secret from Him. It's then that my decision is clear.
Yes He has. i recently started working again for the govenrment, after having sworn that i would never work for them again. The downturn in the economy has made it hard for me to provide for my family, and after a season of prayer the lord directed me to go back to work for the government on a part-time basis. This has not impacted negatively on my private business so now i have two sources of income which is greater than what i earned before. Most important ,however, is that i am happier than i was before as i now impact on more peoples lives , and i am happy to be helping more persons than i did before. it is also a joy to be able to use my skill to be of benefit to others.
God has taught me that He knows what is best for me and that He is always with me.Obedience to his word (even if it is not what we desire) brings blessings to us AND OTHERS !
I recall the time I got divorced, my job was made redundant - without a job, I could not pay my bills and was forced to return to my mother's home. It was the most painful thing at the time. Being an epileptic, as well, I could not acquire a job so I had to stay home and my Mom became overly protective. There was constant conflict between us; and I felt like a child - all over again. The situation continued for years, but has changed, and is still changing. Praise God! Right now, about ten years later, I have a new frame of mind. I am seeing that the Word of God is key in every believer's life. And this study of Joseph's life means so much to me as well. It is ministering to me.
anon- I could easily be wrong, but I think you could ask your husband to pray with you and not consider yourself labeled as 'leading spiritually.' God gives all of us different abilities, and He will guide you as you patiently consider the best route with your husband; besides, talking to God and building a stronger relationship will please Him. If your husband will pray with you,no matter who instigates it, I think it is wonderful because mine is not saved and rarely wants to share in one of my prayers.
For a while, I wasn't as faithful with my titheing. God forced my hand because money was so tight, due to medical bills and other losses, but once I began giving the way He told me, then money situations loosened back up again. Now my son is working through a similar situation.
GOD KEEPS FORCING MY HANDS, so i can always be on my knees and that i pray n knw wil neva stop,so that He is always in His place-KING AND LORD OF MY LIFE and am constantly aware of that...
Recently,it has been dawning on me: everything-past,present,n future is ALL ABOUT GOD and no matter how much and for how long i try,it will neva be about me or anyman.so,d earlier i surrender to His will,the earlier i know n enoy Him more jst like Jesus
To anonymous:i cn imagine some of ur pain,confusion n subtle fear...but all of these you have to lay at your LORD N MASTER'S FEET...then take up your own cross and follow Him...u cant save your husband in your way and at your time, u can only lay down your life daily in growin in d knowlege of Christ n selfless living towards God n men starting frm ur husband.follow the spirits leading,exalt Jesus by submiting to your husband in al things dt does nt include sin n dead works and stand stil and know that He is God...praying together when he is not a son of God doesnt save your marriage, prayers is nt jst abt its religios ocurence bt dt we r changd and Gods tremendios power avalable wrots mighty thngs in His way and time.1 pet 3:1-6...shalom
Thank you so much WWJD,Carol and ife.F.
You have been very helpful and encouraging, Thank you!
It is so great to have others that will walk with you and guide you.
Thank you Lord for people like that.
God Bless