Bad experiences, difficult situations and problematic circumstances often influence our thinking and conclusions about our own future. When things don't go well in our lives we even sometimes come to conclusion that, that's the end of everything. But we fail to remember that as children of God, we do not determine our future but God does, as He alone has our future and destiny in His hands. Our thought for reflection this morning is, "OUR GOD PERMITS INCIDENTS IN OUR LIVES WHICH ARE PART OF HIS LONG TERM PURPOSES FOR US."
"So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and have him success in whatever he did"
(Genesis 39:22-23).
The wiseman Solomon says, "... So you cannot understand the work of God, who is Maker of all things" (Eccleciastes 11:5). Yes, we are shocked and displeased when bad things happen to us. But God may have good purposes in mind even when He permits bad experiences in our lives. That's what He did in Joseph's life
1. PROMOTION even in PRISON.
An innocent person who has been charged for attempted rape is normaly expected to be dejected and to be in deep sorrow over his predicament. We do not know what was Joseph's state of mind in the prison. But Joseph, the prisoner who was expecting to be severely punished for a crime that he had not done, was informed of an unexpected promotion. "So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there" (Genesis 39:22). Had not God, many times in the past, set right injustices done to us?
2. PLANS even in PAIN
Even when Joseph was experiencing unbearable pain, disgrace and humiliation in the prison, God was quietly executing His divine plan to bring him from prison to palace. If Joseph had remained in Potiphar's house he would have ever remained as Potiphar's trusted attendant. But before promoting Joseph to the palace, God planned to first take him to the painful and disgraceful prison . As we are going through severe pain, are we finding it difficult to believe that God has His own plans for us?
Pain and problems can be part of God's purposes and perfect plans for our future. Though we may not understand why many bad things are happening in our lives now, we can be sure that God has His own plans.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I wish to confess that I find it difficult to understand your mysterious ways. But I believe that you do have your own plans and purposes in my life. Give me more of your grace to bear the current pain and grief that I am experiencing. I surrender myself into your hands totally that your perfect will and purposes may be fulfilled in my life.
In Jesus' name, amen!
Blessed day!