Fight Right
Joseph (from the book of Genesis) had dreamed big dreams… from God. He didn’t make’um up. But he went through some rough stuff before seeing them come true:
Sold into slavery by his BROTHERS; Earning trust & authority as a slave, only to have it all taken away because of another person’s lust & lies; proven trustworthy again but remaining in prison for years although he was innocent.
These things could’ve really taken a chunk out of his faith in God and his confidence in God’s willingness to use him. But he stuck to what He knew was true… God! When the time came to stand before the Pharaoh, he was ready, even though he’d only been given a moments notice. He so confidently declared that God was powerful to interrupt dreams, then went on to speak for God by explaining to Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams. THEN… he boldly told the most powerful man in all the land what steps he should take to prepare for the upcoming famine. WOW!
Hard times often take their toll on our faith. Not Joseph. He was a human & must’ve thought the same self-defeating thoughts that bombard our heads, too, but apparently he choose not to dwell on them. He choose to continue trusting God by serving whomever and where ever. When God brought huge life-changes in a matter of moments (from slave to most powerful in the land next to Pharaoh), Joseph’s faith was ready.
Hardship hacks away at our faith & makes us doubt God’s desire to include us in His plans.
Fight it. Fight the fear & doubt.
But don’t fight the situation, and certainly do not fight God!
I super loved Chilly’s sermon series on Joseph! I always strive to remember what someone means for evil, God uses for His good!
Great post!
I think sometimes we don’t always prepare when things are calm. In the times when things aren’t crazy (which is rare) I try to take that time to really chew on His word, let it speak to me, because sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes He uses His love and His word to calm His child while the storm rages on!
Thanks so much for this!
I like how you pointed out that he was ready in a moments notice. If we choose to be selfish an self loathing in hardship when a huge opportunity comes we won’t be ready. Wineing doesn’t make you ready to advise pharaoh, trusting God does.
I was just able to share with someone this week about how we can’t control every thought that pops into our head but we can control how long it dwells there. Wisdom I learned from you!!
Thanks Netta
This is awesome. It is crazy to think about how Joseph’s life would have been if he didn’t trust God. He has an great example of faith, and God came through, like He always does
Thanks for sharing Netta!
That’s so good Netta! Fight the fear and doubt but don’t fight the situation and certainly don’t fight God!
I’m a fighter for sure
so when people say “don’t fight it” or “don’t resist it” I’m like “well i have to fight something!” stubbornness can be a great strength or great weakness. And I’ve definitely had it as both.
love you Netta
This was such a great reminder! Putting it in the playbook for the inevitable upcoming battle.