| |
Thoughts for a Woman's Heart |
|
| |
encouragement in things that matter |
|
| |
Trust that Waits
|
|
| |
He was kidnapped and discarded for a few coins by his brothers. He became a human commodity, sold into the slave service of another. Having no freedom to give direction to his own life, he still chose to serve in a manner consistent with his character and his knowledge of God. He found a place of favor with his owner and was elevated in his position, bringing much success to all of his endeavors, and maintaining his high integrity and his dependence on God. Just his appearance though could turn heads, and through no fault of his own, his owner’s wife made known to him her desire to enjoy him sexually. When he adamantly refused her advances, her indignation and self-seeking frustration spilled over into a destructive lie that cried, "Rape!" The unfounded fury of her husband threw a God-fearing man of integrity into a dark and dismal prison.
It’s interesting. We all read the story of Joseph, an undeniable example of malicious victimization, and we accept it Why? It’s really very simple. We accept because we know the rest of the story. We know that through the offenses committed against Joseph, God was bringing him to a position of influence that would in turn be the beginning of a nation. We know that in time, Joseph stood before his offending brothers, and with kindness and reassurance said, "Don’t be afraid. God turned into good what you meant for evil." I reflect on the difficulties of my own life – a past that holds a story that may be similar to yours. But I reflect with acceptance. Why? I know the rest of the story. I know the good God has brought. I know the position God has placed me in that allows me to share that good with others. But then, there is today – today with its own reality that makes no sense. How do I cope with today? Joseph not only feared God, but he trusted Him, and his trust was willing to wait. When I look at "today," it’s not even possible to know the rest of the story – it hasn’t happened yet. But Someone does know the rest of the story and He asks me to depend on Him with a trust that’s willing to wait. To wait while I trust, I need eyes that keep looking in God’s direction and a heart that draws from His heart, even while I wait.
|
|
| |
|
— Bev |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
