Genesis 39:21-40:23
The rough road continues for Joseph as we get to Genesis 40. He's has been faithful in trusting and following God, and yet, he finds himself sitting in prison and he's been there for quite a while. So what do we see from Joseph? Not what you might think--no feeling sorry for himself, no anger--actually just the opposite. Joseph is patient and continues to honor and serve God.
So what are some things that help you keep honoring and serving God while you're waiting? What can we do to respond like Joseph when our situation isn't of our choosing and we don't yet see a light at the end of the tunnel? Tami W.
This is where faith comes in. What do you believe about God? Its time to start trusting His promises. The Psalms can be of great help here. It speaks of God being a refuge that we can find shelter in (Psalm 46:1-2). We need to believe that God is in control of all things, that He is good, and that He has our best interests at heart. It is possible to be an optimist even in the difficulties of the circumstances of life.
I don't like being in those situations...but when they happen, I try to think there must be some greater good, some reason I'm living through this. I try to give it back to God and keep the faith.
Joseph's response to this injustice has always been a great example to me. I don't believe I have ever had anything occur that was as drastic as Joseph's, but I have endured some adversity that happened even though I was following God's will. I wish that I would have responded immediately as well as Joseph, but in time God gave be the heart and attitude that he gave Joseph.
Sometimes its extrememly difficult to exercise faith promptly in time of trouble. Joseph did not waver or got despondent, he did not even worry about his situation because he trusted in God. Sometimes we cant help but worry and get frustrated over our problems but Joseph shows me extactly how one ought to behave in such times: be calm, trust in God and wait on Him because he will take us through.God is Great!! He will never leave us or forsake us nor would He put us to shame.
I agree with Curt. What youy believe about God is critical when life is not going the way you hoped or planned. I guess the key is to work on what we believe and to do so not when the difficulties come but before they come.
I have to agree with what Ray C. said on day one. We need to remember when we read Old Testament stories how the people had to operate in trying to serve God.
I am so thankful that we no longer have to live our lives in this way. Joseph and his family were not blessed with having the Holy Spirit living inside them, teaching them all things; instead they did the best they could with what their parents taught them. But they lived in the flesh, which we always find evident in these stories. We have to remember that this story takes place before Moses so they didn’t even have the laws that God gave to Moses to help guide his people.
Look at the life of Jesus and the love that he was able to show to all people, because it is the Love of GOD that is working, not the flesh—Jesus did not even begin his ministry until he received the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-23). Or look at the disciples while Jesus was with them and the way they acted, often with jealousy, hate, and envy. But, look at what happens to them in Acts when they are now given the Holy Spirit. They no longer live their lives in the flesh but they are operating out of love that flows through them from God that dwells inside them 24/7—365 days a year.
Praise God for the gift and freedom that he has given to us so that we can love others without all the emotions that we once did.
This is where trusting comes in. When things are dark we have to just keep trusting. It's easy to trust when we can see the outcome but it's so much harder just to put things in the Lord's hands and leave everything up to Him. I am in the midst of a situation where I have to keep reminding myself to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5(NIV). God sees the whole picture while we can see just a small part of it.
I was going through a very dark valley a year ago... I spent a lot of time contemplating the refuge concept in the Psalms. I determined that the foundation was to rest on God's character and the stones that build the refuge are His promises. Gen said that if you can build it before the storm hits you are better off by far. I agree so strongly with that. Thank God I had the structure in place.
Keep praying and waiting. It is our duty to show those around us that although we hoped & prayed for something; we are confident in God no matter what His answer. Often God may have another task for us to do before He answers the "big prayer" that we are looking for. I've had this experience, and while challenging, I can see God working on me, and shaping me for His purpose. So in short, don't give up, let Gods light shine to others, while you wait.Perhaps there are souls to be won, and God never does incomplete works.
This week I had a setback with my medical insurance when trying to renew my prescriptions. It was a computer error that kept me from renewing... BUT I trusted God to put it right and today (9th) everything was fine. I kept saying to everyone that the Lord will provide. Most of my family scoffed when i said that but I kept my faith.
I like the line that says, "the Lord was with him". I think that's the key. Therefore that is what I'll be after. It is not easy to be in difficult situation but when I make myself aware of the fact the Lord is with me (because He is indeed in us), i would have the courage needed. I would tend to think better, I would have a godly character which in turn will be a blessing to others as well.
I got sick recently and I needed to stay home. That's very agonizing for me as I want to be out and doing my job. However, i realized that if God doesn't allow me to do what i need to do, that doesn't mean He has nothing for me while I'm in my "prison cell". I cld read and I could write. Praise God, that was all I needed and a lot of wonderful things happened.
I have to ditto what everyone else is saying;Pray and wait - its so easy to be inpatient and not wait for God - we have to ask for his will in everything that we pray for and have faith that he will be here for us. He never abandons us, thats why I love him so... :}
God places us in those situations where we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel so that we will learn to fully trust him and stand on his promises. These are the times in my life that God loves to show me what he can do if I will only trust and obey.
This spring I spent lots of time at home. I felt captive so I did some deep cleaning and it kept me occupied, also lots of listening to Bott Radio Network, which includes Back to the Bible. Time flies when God is part of the scene, even when it is a scene that you didn't choose or probably would not choose, like Joseph. However, verse 23 is grabbing me. I can't imagine what it would be like to have everything be 'good and successful' like what Joseph was experiencing while in prison. God's amazing love and His control in every situation can give such peace, even and maybe mostly while 'in prison.' This has a humbling effect on me.