“And
surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20
It’s a New Year; everyone around you is filled with joyful
anticipation, still going strong with their New Year’s resolutions, except you…
…You had a vision for your life, and circumstances are
causing it to go in the opposite direction. So disheartened by the downward trajectory
of your life’s present path, you find yourself questioning everything. You cry out, “Come on God, I’m trying to be faithful
here…would You just give me a little something tangible to let me know You’re
with me?”
Can any of us relate? Well, if you are feeling this way,
you’re in good company with a lot of folks in Scripture: Joseph, Job, and Paul
just to name a few.
~Let’s look at Joseph’s downward trajectory and discover some
“hope”.
Joseph received a divine dream from God regarding his
influential future, yet quickly experienced circumstances contrary to his idea of “the plan”. Young Jo found
himself betrayed, abused, and abandoned by his own brothers, then sold into
slavery, framed for rape, subsequently thrown into prison, an innocent man, and
forgotten by the very person who promised to help free him. (Gen. 37-40)
~One or two of these circumstances would be disheartening,
but all of them put together, one after another, is outright depressing! ~And
some of you are relating.
Despite all, Joseph remained faithful. The Bible tells us that God was with Joseph, delivered him, and placed him in the position of
influence that He had designed for Joseph from the foundation of the world. (Acts
7:9-10, Gen. 39:2,3 21,23, Eph. 2:10)
Like Joseph, God has a very detailed purpose and plan for
each of our lives. Circumstances, negative and positive, challenging and easy,
disheartening and joyful, are all weaved into our unique purpose and calling.
~From heaven’s vantage point, divine tragedy transpires when
a precious heir of the King (each one
of us) loses faith and succumbs to hardship/heartache.
Our Lord, Immanuel, is with each of His kids. Hope is here
for us today:
Call on Me, come pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Jer. 29:12-13
‘Call to Me and I
will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Jer. 33:3
“And
surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20
May we diligently seek Him with all we are this 2014! Much love, Shaun and Betsy
