HOPE from the "pits of life"

The example of Joseph's life (Gen 37-50) has many facets/plots/twists.....favoritism from his father resulting in sibling jealousy/rejection, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave.  Joseph must have felt alone, abandoned, betrayed, doubt and fearful.  Yet, my guess is that through his dreams he chose to trust God's timing by persevering through these difficulties for a better plan/outcome.  Easy?  I'm certain we all agree.....NO WAY!

Joseph's trust and faithfulness led to him to become second in command in Egypt.  When the drought came (just as he had dreamed about), he could have taken revenge on his brothers.  Instead, he denied self and the tendency hold a grudge.....he chose to forgive and reunite his family.  God used Joseph trials for a greater purpose/good as he was instrumental in making provisions available to many during the drought.  Gen 50:20 says, You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  It is certainly easier to view the story knowing the end result.  We struggle "in the now" as we do not know our future.  While I'm certain Joseph struggled at times, God knew he would persevere and trust to the end.  What a great example of HOPE from the "pits of life".  Of course, that does not mean that everything will work out the way we want.....there will be disappointments, hurt, suffering.....during our time in this world.

In order to get out of "the pits", we must trust while releasing our fear and pain to our awesome God.  We must learn to look at trials not as God not caring or that He does not love us, but as an instrument used towards His ultimate plan for our life......in His timing.  This trusting attitude will reap high rewards (as God has promised)........if we take the step of faith by submitting/releasing to our God.  Blessings in your pursuit.......TO

My Deficiency.......God's Sufficiency

In Exodus 4:10-12, Moses uses what he deems a deficiency as a reason that  perhaps God should choose another to carry out the mission Moses was called to perform.  My guess is, we have all did the very same during our lives- I am guilty.  Whether it be a leadership roll, actively sharing Jesus with others, Bible class teacher, public prayer, etc., I have allowed my quiet (somewhat introvert) personality to hinder my growth/obedience.  As in the great examples of Moses, David, Zacchaeus Saul/Paul........and many others, being adept and possessing the ideal qualities are not a pre-recquisite for serving God.  I like the apropos phrase that states, God uses ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary results.  We must learn and mature to the point of taking the focus off our limitations (deficiencies) and trusting/relying on God's all sufficient power. 
Where I struggle/lack, God succeeds!
Where I am weak, God is strong! 
Being a faithful follower of our Creator requires us to trust Him and at times leave our comfort zones.  We must place our fears, doubts, insecurities, deficiencies into God's hands.  We must always be cognitive of how our actions and attitudes will shape our children, spouses, other family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.  Am I/Are you the courageous/godly being that God has called each of us to be?  Let's challenge one another to loosen the grip on our insecurities/deficiencies and embrace God's power (Philippians 4:13).   Blessings in your pursuit.......TO