In the Place of God

And Joseph said unto them , “Fear not; for am I in the place of God?” Genesis 50:19

When we begin to think that our life is in someone else’s hands (besides God’s) we can be filled with apprehension, dread, worry, and fear. Many Bible characters could have despaired of the influence others wielded over their life. The actions of others does affect us. But ultimately God holds us in His hands. He brings good from any situation. He produces gold from seeing tragedy. Beauty from ashes. Joseph and Job come to mind when I think of innocent victims. But both their lives ended up abundantly blessed.

But it is not just in fearful situations that the questions is asked, “Am I in the right place, God?” When I look to others to meet my needs I am looking for them to be in God’s place.

Disappointment marks my day when they fall short of my expectations. May I not put any other person in God’s place.

Father, forgive me for the times I replace You with Your creation. May daily look to You. Amen.

Getting What We Least Expect

Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite (repay) us all the evil which we did unto him….Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. Genesis 50:15 & 21

Joseph’s brothers feared they would get what they deserved. They suspected the only reason Joseph had been kind to them so far was because of their father’s presence. Now with Jacob dead their safety net has been removed and they tried to use his name and supposed dieing words to replace the safety net. There is no greater safety net than grace. It does not hinge on the behavior or deserving of the recipients. It rests in the heart of the giver.

Joseph wept when his brothers spoke to him. His tears were for his brothers who still walked in fear of him. They had not embraced the love he lavished on them. They really did not know his heart for them. If I spend my time living under wrong concepts of God, I miss the joy of relationship with Him. Better to list His extravagant gifts than live under self condemnation and guilt.

Joseph comforted them and spoke kindly unto them. What a picture of my Abba Father. May I learn to soak up His tenderness. Undeserved? Yes! But lavishly given just the same.

Father, may I feel safe, secure, and loved by You today. Let me grasp Your character! Amen!

Strengthened By God

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him, But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the might God of Jacob. Genesis 49:23, 24

Jacob acknowledged the pain of Joseph’s past. The feelings of victimization could dominate his life but instead we read of strength. Muscles are built through resistance training. Our character, faith, and resolve are strengthened through trials in our life. Just as God strengthened Joseph, He is able to strengthen us.

May I look at each difficulty and see what strength will be developed in me as a result of it. If I will acknowledge pain, hardship, and loss, and then hand it to God, He will allow His purpose to be developed and realized in me. He can use anything in my life as His sculpting tool. I can trust His heart AND His hands.

Father, use all of my pain to produce gold and all of my loss to produce gain. You are the ultimate designer. Amen.

God Never Leaves

And Israel said unto Joseph, “Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.” Genesis 48:21

People mean the world to me. I am extremely close to a few. I have thought many times of the day they depart from this world. I remember losing my mom over five years ago. At times the grief seemed unbearable. Losing someone close takes a part of you. The vacancy is huge.

I often dread the thought of someone close to me dieing. I know the sorrow will be great. But Jacob speaks the most comforting words to Joseph. “Behold, I die; but God will be with you.” I must remember that God remains with me when that loved one departs. His plan for me continues.

Father, it is times like this that your words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” mean so much to me. Thank You. Amen.