December 17, 2019 – Click here to listen
I was talking with a friend who is involved in a nasty lawsuit with a non-Christian. They have lied about her and virtually destroyed her business that once thrived with lies and deceit. She has not withdrawn into seclusion nor is she entrapped in dark depression. Instead she told me she had drawn closer to God due to this ordeal and some health problems she has undergone than most any other time of her life.
I have been studying Genesis and had just read of Joseph being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife who had been trying to no avail to seduce the young lad. When he showed no interest in her advances, she got angry and told her husband that Joseph raped her and subsequently Joseph got thrown into prison.
Now one would think that Joseph would be devastated and lose all faith; however, he remained faithful and true to God and as upbeat as ever trusting God with all his being. It turns out that jail was just a tool God was using to introduce him to Pharaoh who would ultimately release him from jail and put him in charge of everything over which he ruled. When a famine struck Jacob’s family back in the Promised land, he was in a position to provide grain for his family and save the day.
This lesson should resonate with anyone who loves the Lord but is suffering through trials and tribulation. Consider that God is likely preparing you for that next journey with Him and perhaps this is why we are urged by the Apostle James in chapter 1:2 to be happy when we suffer. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I know that I have endured more than my share of hardships in life but as I look back upon it, I can clearly see God’s hand in things as He prepared me for my various missions. I’m happy that He did, albeit it was tough going for a while.
Don’t be discouraged my friends. God loves you and He has a purpose for your life. We often do not discover it until after the refinement process has taken place. What an honor to be prepared by God to serve Him – Just think about it. Selah!
Daniel 12:10
Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.