May 5, 2020

Good Morning Saints,

Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard. Genesis 37:36 (NIV)

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. Genesis 39:20 (NIV)

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:23 (NIV)

It doesn’t seem as though things are going very well for Joseph. Sold into salver by his brother, serving as a slave to an Egyptian official, tossed into prison because of a lie. So, what is it that we can learn, don’t give up on God! Don’t let our faith in God and His promises slip away. Despite be in prison Joseph continue to serve the Lord. As he continued to serve the Lord he found favor from men.

Don’t give up even if things don’t start off well.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:12-13 (NIV)

Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” Mark 6:4 (NIV)

Don’t give up even if those closest to you don’t support you. I also think of Job, his friends and even his wife don’t approve of the way he was handling his situation. Yet he pressed forward worshiping the Lord.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Don’t give up even if your journey is full of surprises, full of ups and downs. The road we follow is narrow and full of surprises. Understanding this will be very helpful as we stand firm in our faith.

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakuk 2:3 (NIV)

Don’t give up even if it takes a long time to understand God’s work through a situation. Remember that God has a plan.

As Christians, true believers, we are to stay strong in our faith. We are to never give up on our God. To do this we should focus on what happens in us not to us. Self-reflection is always a good thing for the believer. We also realize that our response to offenses determines our future. Our attitude as we experience hardship often shape us and our future. Sometimes life is very difficult, but God is with us as we go through difficulties.

God bless and keep you,
Pastor Dennis