There have been
many times in my life that I have asked the Lord, “why me?” Anyone else? Why
did I have to fight that battle? Why did “they” have to do that to me, say that
about me, treat me that way? Why did my marriage break up? Why did I never have
a baby? Why have I struggled to find love? Why did I get sick? All of these
questions on one side and yet on the other side, there was promise. You will
affect nations. You will bring the Word to people. You will change lives. You will
feed the hungry and clothe the naked. You are necessary for this place or that
place. You have life in you. All of these things to balance in this life and
often no direct answer or response to your questions. Over the last several
weeks, the Lord has placed Psalm 105:16-22 in front me and I realized today
that it was the answer.
Psalm 105 is a song
about the experience of the Israelites. These particular verses are about
Joseph and how his life impacted the story of God’s people. Right before Joseph
is introduced, the psalm tells how the Lord sent famine to the land. “He
ordered famine to grip the land and cut them off from their supply of bread. But long before, He had sent a man
ahead of them: Joseph, who had been sold into slavery.” (v.16 VOICE) Do
you see that highlighted phrase – “but long before”? Well that is the intro to
your answer. In His infinite wisdom, the Lord knew that famine would be needed
and He had a person in mind that He would use to bring the provision in response
to the lack. Ok…hold that in your spirit.
‘At first, his masters shackled his feet with chains, placed
his neck into a collar of iron. That was until the Eternal’s promises came to pass; His word
tested Joseph and proved him worthy.” (v. 17 -19) So the Lord then allowed Joseph
to go through slavery and struggle so that he would be in position both
physically and spiritually for that moment when His time would come. He allowed
Joseph to go through times when His promise would be questioned. He allowed him to be in bondage when He had
told Him that He was the favorite. The Lord allowed Joseph to feel the heat of
hurt so that He would be worthy of the glory. Do you see that? On the way to
the promise, the Word tested Joseph but he was proved worthy! Come on, verse
19, speak to the people! Do not forsake the promise because you don’t want the
testing. Take joy in the fact that you will be proved worthy for your
assignment. You will be prepared for your next level.
Can you just take a
moment and think about the fact that you are the answer to someone’s problem. All
of the hard places that you have faced and may be currently facing have future
impact. Your response to your challenge can prove you worthy of the promise. Come
on! I can look back on my life and see that what I have been through has
prepared me for today. Those places that hurt like crazy have been broken up
for God’s glory. Can I suggest to you that God is aware of your struggles and
challenges? Can I remind you that He is the Master Planner and He knew LONG
BEFORE what you would go through because He knew where you were going?
“The king sent out the order to release him from prison; the ruler of Egypt liberated him from the chains. Then
he put Joseph in charge of the royal
household, made him ruler of all the royal possessions, allowed him to imprison the royal
officials whenever he saw fit and impart wisdom to the elders in the land.” (v. 20-22) The Lord’s
plan works! He brought Joseph back to the promise…back to the favor. He will do
the same for you! Do not give up in the test when God’s plan brings you
squarely back to the promise. I know it has been hard and you have wanted to
give up and cry but please don’t! Your part in the plan is important. Don’t
cancel it before you’ve gotten to the end!
Amen.
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