In today’s Bible reading, we see Joseph in a position of influence, a position God soon used to feed surrounding nations and Joseph’s family during famine.
But how did he become influential?
It began with a wound—being sold into slavery (Genesis 39)—which produced a pearl of usefulness.
Because Joseph drew on God’s resources when humiliated, he became better, not bitter.
He named his second son Ephraim, which means “twice fruitful,” and he said, “God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (41:52).
Joseph could have wasted his life dwelling on the injustices he suffered.
As a youth, his brothers sold him into slavery, and he was forced to live in a hostile land.
He had to spend his teenage and adult years away from his beloved father.
Joseph even spent time in prison.
In spite of all he endured, he harbored no resentment.
In fact, he named his son Manasseh, which means “forgetting.”
He explained, “For God...hath made me forget.” I tried several times to forget my past with my own strength but I failed a thousand times .
It is not easy to forget our things in our own strength we need Holy Spirit help to that.
What do you need to forget and put behind this New Year?
When seemingly needless suffering invades our lives, we often ask ourselves, “Who needs all this grief?”
Consider, for a moment, the origin of pearls.
Each pearl is formed by an oyster’s internal response to a wound caused by an irritant, such as a grain of sand. Resources of repair rush to the injured area. The final result is a lustrous pearl. Something beautiful is created that would have been impossible without the wound.
Your WOUND is being created into something beautiful!
Just like Joseph, you have to believe that the sun cannot stay down forever!
During Josephs times of great pain, intense pressure and unprecedent challenge came times of phenomenal opportunity!
I think back on my marriage pains and pressures and I am reminded of the NEW ministry opportunities that have come from that wound.
God is preparing you for new opportunities in your setback, take this time to prepare so you can share.
Take time to Journal today friend, write down a PRAYER, PLAN and PRAISE from today's word.
Watch how God becomes more involved in letting you know His plans during your pain. Take the focus of the Pain and ask God for the Plan!
Go with God today!
