Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Gen 45:1 NLT
A boy was sold into slavery by his own brothers, his death faked; they allowed his father to think he was dead all this time. They stood there and watched him grieve his son, knowing that they had sold him into slavery, only to bow before him, second in command of all Egypt.
He had his share of hardship and as he was going through the hardship, I’m sure he very well did not understand, but he did keep his faith in God. He was sold to Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. He rejects and is wrongfully thrown into prison after having been sold into slavery in the first place. He spends years in the dungeon. God exalts him in the dungeon, so he leads the dungeon, if that is that much of exultation, but he is a leader. He can interpret dreams because God gives him the interpretation, so it isn’t long before he comes before Pharaoh and then he is exalted to second in command of all of Egypt.
The years that Joseph spent in the dungeon, he did not know that was going to happen. He just knew he was in the dungeon maybe for the rest of his life, and yet he continued to hope, continued to have faith, and eventually he did get out of the dungeon. And not just out of the dungeon back into the light, but was exalted to second in command of the kingdom. Then his brothers show up and they realize what is going on, and he reveals himself and he reveals: God sent me ahead to preserve life. What was meant for evil was actually for good.
Joseph weeps. Many times, while addressing his brothers, he tried to content himself, until finally he sends everyone out for some privacy. We read that everyone heard him weep, even Pharaoh.
Joseph’s story has captivated me on a personal level. Not only does it remind me of the healing the Lord has done in my life from my past but also challenges me on my present trials, giving me a hope, an assurance because my future, destiny, and purpose are in His hands.
Many years of pain, abandonment, resentment, and injustice Joseph could have had grudge. Or maybe after so many years have passed complete healing could have taken place. Time helps with forgiveness right? Neither of these or rather both of these occurred.
His brothers’ visit reminded Joseph of his wounds. After giving them a little of their own medicine, Joseph finally made himself, and his wounds, known. He wept with them and kissed. Joseph quickly reconciled with his family.
Nothing replaces the process and completion of healing and restoration. Nothing. No positions gained. No time passed. No new relationships made. I believe, God has appointed times and situations for our healing to come full circle. We need this. We shouldn’t run away from it or ignore it.
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for healing me, for showing me what’s deep inside me. I ask, Holy Spirit, that you come. Increase my faith. Help me to understand that you know where I should go and you are here to comfort and guide me on that path. Help us, Lord, to listen, to still the noise and seek you first and your righteousness. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
I am keeping tabs on myself concerning God priorities in my life. I first shared about reading Scripture and now I want to journal about my quite time with God.
Hubby and I were speaking yesterday about our situation here in Mexico, specifically our legal status. To cut it short, the way we see it currently unless God works out something different, we can not stay in Mexico too long. Our designated time is 2 years this is an aggressive time for the projects and goals we set. The first thing you might think is “well those are your goals and projects, maybe the Lord doesn’t have those goals”. True, we want to be obedient to everything in his plans including timing. However, we set those plans according to the Word he gave us coming here.
1. We are going to establish a school.
2. We will train pastors/ restore churches.
He gave us this plans. Although we sometimes feel pressured by time and sometimes ‘the lack of’, we know deep in our heart all will have to come together some how.
Having the conversation with hubby still fresh in my mind, we went to Bible study at the Jordan. During service I usually just sing along with them. Just so you get the picture, I don’t count this service as a refreshing time or a time when I am personally ministered by his Spirit. The flow isn’t there, the freedom isn’t there, and frankly I’m too distracted to focus. Maybe I’m wrong, but this is the way I set my mind so I don’t disappoint myself when “God doesn’t show up” or I don’t “feel” him.
Yesterday, however, I felt a heavy spirit. I couldn’t even sing along. I felt a need. And this is where I want to get at with this post. Intercession. I know I’ve said it before. Maybe I’m still in training by His Spirit, I don’t know.
I went to the back of the church and started to worship/pray walking around. This is my way for focusing. I need space and I need background music. Someday I want to be able to keep the connection even as I walk, talk, whatever.
During this time, very short but effective, I said something I’ve don’t think I’ve ever said to the Lord. Many times I’ve struggled with my “face time during ministry”. To explain, it’s not that I want “me, me, me” everywhere for people to see and give me attention – NO, for some reason I feel that I’m not doing enough and I want more, I want to see and experience more so I think “I” need to do ‘X’ thing. I hope that explains it.
This was my prayer – “Lord, use me, even if it’s just intercession (not thinking of this as less, but even if it’s just this and nothing else), if I don’t do anything else, break the strongholds and bring your Spirit.” So many times I see my faults, imperfections, lack of – right there and then he reminded me of Moses and Jeremiah – they both expressed the same fear and insecurity. It’s okay to tell God these things, out of this confession the Lord gave them the confidence they needed. I felt that yesterday. I felt his calling me, actually confirming my calling to intercede. To pray. To declare things into being.
Everything leads me to intercession.
Passing through the valley of weeping, they will make it a fountain; even the early rain covers with blessings. They go from strength to strength, being seen in Zion before God. Psalms 84:6-7
Key words ”passing through”. If we don’t pass through we are just another person going through another problem. When we intercede we ARE passing through. We keep our faith. We are strengthened. The Word says that we will make it to the fountain (life, rest, abundance, blessing). When we pass through, in the midst of struggle I will see God (Zion)! I will see Him! I will see His blessings, his justice, his righteousness, his love, his grace, his refuge, his power! ALL that he is! WOW!
Why is it that when I go to Veracruz I have so much on my mind? My thoughts are filled with observations, ideas, reflections – all good blogging/journaling material. BUT – Once I come home, sleep, and do my thing here – crash! My mind goes blank. Yes, I’ve thought about journaling there and taking advantage of the moment, but I just don’t have time. Any time I get alone is for prayer, other than that I’m talking to people and catching up on their lives, after all I’m just there 3 days.
So, here I am. Monday morning on my laptop, trying to break it all down. Hmmm….
