Dec 26 2008
When It Looks Like All is Lost
Remember the story of Joseph? It’s really quite a heart-wrenching story, but it spoke to me in a powerful way this morning.
As a child Joseph had been the favorite son of his father, Jacob. God had visited him in dreams and visions to give him hope and something to hold onto when things were tough. When his jealous brothers sold him into slavery, they had no idea that he would not only survive, but that God would protect him and order his steps for kingdom purposes.
In what he probably saw as a terrible mistake, Joseph was thrown into prison where he languished for years before he was finally given the position of authority for which God had been grooming him all those years.
In fact, just when he probably thought all was lost, God anointed him to interpret prophetic dreams for the king himself. The king could see that he was the right man to put in charge of preparing for the famine the dream foretold. In the end, because he didn’t give up hope in God, Joseph was elevated to status second only to the king and put in charge of collecting food that would essentially save the world and thereby save the lives of God’s chosen people. What an incredible blessing!
As I read this passage it was clear that many things had to come together in perfect timing for this to happen. Only divine appointment could have worked all these things together for good.
Just like Joseph we can be in tough places where we despair that God will ever transform our circumstances. And our enemy will often taunt us, saying, “Where is your God now? He’s left you alone to die in your misery. He doesn’t care.” But according to His Word, God cares a great deal and He is there for us. And if we hold onto His promises and refuse to believe the enemy’s lies, He will make a way for us, using us for kingdom purposes. The reality is that it’s all in the timing, and because He knows exactly the hour at which it must all come to pass, we must choose to trust and not give up hope. Remember, it’s just a matter of time.
So let’s keep our eyes on the goal, remembering the promises He’s given us, because in spite of what we may see in the natural, amazing times are ahead. Hold onto faith!
Because of His great love,
Nancy
