Not Fair!

PRAY Lord, you have been so good to me. Thank you for the many ways you have blessed me.

READ Genesis 39-41

REFLECT

When we first met Joseph he was a typical teenager who deliberately irritated his family! Even though he needed to be taught a lesson this is a pretty tough way to learn it: sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown into prison. How could this be God's plan?

But something happened to Joseph along the way. Maybe trauma of being rejected by his brothers and trapped far from home caused some deep reflection. Or maybe he's simply realised that life was headed in the wrong direction. Whatever it was, Joseph has matured. In fact, he's become a model of moral strength (39:8-10) and sensitive to the opportunities for ministry around him (40:6-8).

How do you react when life is unfair? Do you lash out at the people around? Do you give up and give in to depression? DO you blame it on God? Joseph had every right to do all of that and a lot more. But he didn't, and there are at least 2 reasons why.

He put God at the centre. Potiphar's wife tries to tempt him. Joseph realises God is the one he's accountable to (39:9). And later on in prison he gives credit to God for the ability to interpret dreams (40:8b). Joseph put God at the centre of his life and it gave him a whole new perspective and power to deal with he problems he face.

He trusts God's plan on the surface, Joseph's life is a mess. But under the surface God is in control (39:2,21). Time of crises enable us to deepen our relationships with God. We shouldn't go looking for trouble, but touch times do offer us some of the best opportunities to grow our faith.

APPLY What tough times are you experiencing right now? Spend some time in 'listening prayer' asking God to show you what he wants to teach you and how you can grow closer to him.

TONIGHT - Join our online study at www.christianchat.co.uk 8pm CST hosted by AWE as we look at Abraham Isaac and Jacob - Get God's word for your life this Christmas!