Hi Friends,
Deep breath! Did you enjoy the massive Colorado snow? I did! We built a HUGE snowman with our sweet 4th grade neighbor!
You know I've been wrestling with God on really deep things like injustice and mercy. If you have been praying for me, thanks! I think my heart is calming down a bit.
Here are a few things helping me.
We don't sit around and debate if it was a good idea for Joseph's brothers to throw him in a ditch. I guess I can get stuck on why they would do that, why would they lie to their dad, why, and how could they… Then, I was thinking about Jesus on the cross. Not just, not deserved.
In my step study we do this process:
What are you angry at:
How were you harmed:
What can you own:
Where can you see God at work:
This process is SUPER healing for me. Let's run it through with Joseph.
What are you angry at: Joesph's brothers for harming their YOUNGEST. brother, leaving him for dead, lying to their dad, all for their own power and pride. They were never honest and never faced justice.
How was Joseph harmed: he was enslaved, never saw his family for YEARS, in jail for years, lost everything familiar.
What can Joseph own: He as being prideful and gloating to his brothers. He was favored by his dad and God.
Where can you see God at work: God used that to bring him to Egypt, give him favor with Pharaoh, and save many, develop character, and make him a trusted leader.
So, I take a deep breath and think it's not fair, it's not just, and God can use the most painful of circumstances for good. I also think he can use all things to develop and reveal and test our character. How will we respond?
In “Sacred Fire” they are saying that in aging we become helpless again, like children. It's humbling to not be able to take care of yourself. It's also an opportunity for others near an elderly person who cannot care for themselves to develop their character.
I suppose here I am, humbled. I am not in a position to do much of anything. For example, what Joseph's brother's did, was done. Things are set in motion.
I will believe that God is good and can and will make good out of this too. He will lead us. He will be more than enough. He uses things like this all the time. We are never far from His mercy and grace. I don't need to fear or be frustrated with the wild ways of the wicked or the injustice or the impure… I just need to ask God, what is He doing here? Who are you again God? Could you use this? Could you let this cup pass? Is it time to get in the whale? ha! I feel like I'm living in a Psalm. The other night I read Psalm 82 in the Message and it resonated with me.
I will keep wrestling with God. I'm not going to let go until you bless us.
Don't be afraid to be humbled.
Ask God to rescue you.
Ask for wisdom and discernment.
Ask Him to lead you and show you the way.
Confess what's your part.
Get honest with what's going on.
Ask God what He's doing in this.
Here's one thing I know… God will never leave you or forsake you.
His love for you is unending.
His love has no walls, no boarders.
He goes before you and hems you in.
He can make the most unusual uncomfortable situations… HIS for HIS glory… and HE WILL BE WITH US… in the ditch, in prison, on the cross, in our rooms, in the spaces we feel most alone… HE IS THERE with us.
When my dad died the finality of it all was shocking. It couldn't be undone.
Some things cannot be undone or made right. When Judas betrayed Jesus, it was done. When Peter jumped out of the boat, he was wet.
Jesus grabbed Peter wrist to wrist and walked with him on water.
Keep your eyes FIXED on JESUS the author pf our faith. Don't let the wild ride take you out… it's more of a guarantee! We will know WHO our GOD is as we walk with HIM through the valleys. No matter the circumstance, you are in good company for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is with you. Don't keep glancing at the brothers… keep your eyes on JESUS, HE will take care of the rest. Not your circus not your monkeys as I saw on instagram today.
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