You Are Not Alone

Have you ever been treated unfairly? Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Have you ever been falsely accused? Have you encountered other experiences when life just seemed unfair? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are not alone!

The Bible tells the story of a young man named Joseph. Humanly speaking, one could say life was unfair to Joseph. Joseph was disliked by his brothers. Of course, Joseph did not help matters when he bragged about dreams he had where his brothers would bow down to him (Gen. 37:5-9). His dad did not help because he showed favoritism,  going even as far to make Joseph an expensive robe to wear (Gen. 37:3). His brothers were  jealous and hated him; so much so, they plotted to kill him (Gen. 37:4, 18). Fortunately his brother Reuben intervened and spared his life; however, his brothers ended up selling him and Joseph ended up in Egypt (Gen. 37:25-28). He was bought by a man named Potiphar, one of King Pharaoh’s officials (Gen. 39:1).

So how did Joseph make it in a strange land, surrounded by complete strangers?  Rather than simply survive, Joseph thrived. Scripture tells us that “the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (Gen. 39:2). Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes and was placed in charge of his household. God blessed everything that Potiphar owned for Joseph’s sake. However, Joseph’s hardships were not quite over. Potiphar’s wife lied about him and the charges were so serious that Joseph was put in prison (Gen. 39:11-20). While in prison, God gave him favor in the sight of the prison warden and Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners (Gen. 39:21-22). Eventually Joseph was called upon to interpret the dreams of King Pharaoh, which he did with God’s help. King Pharaoh observed that the Spirit of God was on him and since Joseph was so discerning and wise, Pharaoh promoted him to the second highest position in the land of Egypt (Gen. 41:38-44).

Even while living in a strange place surrounded by strangers, Joseph was faithful. He was faithful to serve those who were over him. He was faithful to obey God’s commands by not committing adultery with Potiphar’s wife even though she pursued him time and time again. He was faithful while a prisoner. He was even faithful to forgive his brothers for selling him (Gen. 50:15-21). How could he remain faithful even when life seemed so unfair? He knew God was with him. He knew God was watching over him. He knew God was working out His plan (Gen. 50:20).

If you are a child of God who is going through some difficulty remember that you are not alone. God is with you! He is watching over you and He is working out His plan for your life (Rom. 8:28-29). If you are reading this and are not a child of God, then understand that you desperately need Him. Turn to God and admit to Him that you are a sinner in desperate need of His salvation. Believe the good news that Jesus died for you (Rom. 5:6-8) and then confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you will be saved (Rom. 10:9).

Walking Through Life’s Fog

Last evening as I looked out the window I noticed it was very foggy. It reminded me of an experience our family had the week before Christmas. We were driving home after visiting with friends in Alabama. It was dark and very foggy. In fact, although I was following my GPS, it was so foggy I had to stop on several occasions prior to making turns in order to try and see where the road was. I don’t know if I have ever been as happy (or relieved) as I was that night when we finally pulled into our driveway. It was so good to be finally home!

Sometimes life feels like driving through dense fog. We can’t see too far ahead and certainly can’t see what is around the corner. So what are we to do? We need to keep moving ahead. We can take one day at a time, following God and trusting Him with every step. After all, He knows what lies ahead so we can definitely trust Him. Solomon, the wisest man apart from Christ to walk planet Earth, penned these words, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6). We can trust Him with life and every detail of life—that includes eternal life (Rom. 3:22). We can trust Him to guide each step along life’s journey (Ps. 23:2). Regardless of what lies ahead we can trust that He will give us the grace we need to see us through just as He did the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:9). And since we can trust Him, there is no need for us to waste a moment of our time worrying about what lies ahead (Matthew 6:34). After all, most of what we worry about never happens…and even if it does, worrying has never changed anything. So, when you find yourself walking through life’s fog trust God to see you through, knowing that He will continue leading you safely until you arrive at Home with Him (John 14:1-3).

I hope you'll enjoy this song, "Where I Belong."

Cause for Concern

The recent discovery of 7-year old Julian King's body in the rear seat of an SUV about 10 miles from his home is quite disturbing. Even more disturbing is the fact that authorities said today that he died of "multiple gunshot wounds" (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,444368,00.html?sPage=fnc/us/crime). A 7-year old boy dies from multiple gunshot wounds. Now I did not know Julian, nor did I know his aunt Jennifer Hudson. But when I heard the news it broke my heart. Why? Because a young child was murdered in cold blood. His young life was taken from him by a ruthless killer.

As I prepared to post this blog, I looked at other current news stories which also disturb me. For example, consider the following news captions from http://www.foxnews.com/...
"Murder Indictment: American Co-ed Charged in Killing Of Student in Italy"
"Slain North Carolina Jogger's Husband Charged With Her Murder"
"Florida Toddler's Mother Pleads Not Guilty to First-Degree Murder in Death of Her Child"
"Man Accused of Killing, Dismembering Father Undergoes Mental Tests"
"Suspect Hunted in Arkansas TV Anchor's Murder"
"Teen Pleads Guilty for Killing His Sleeping Family"
"Police: 14-Year-Old South Carolina Boy Killed Pregnant Mom, Unborn Sister"
"AP: Hudson Murder Suspect Had June Drug Bust"

Have you read enough? I have! When I heard about the killing of 7-year old Julian I was reminded of what Mother Teresa said, "The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion...because if a mother can kill her own child - what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me - There is nothing between." (http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1979/teresa-lecture.html) Mother Teresa understood and acknowledged what most politicians and judges will never admit--if you do not value the life of an innocent baby then you will certainly not value life at any age! This is why we read such news captions as above. And this is why the family of 7-year old Julian King mourns today...too many people no longer value life.

By the way, I find it interesting that American courts will try, and often convict murderers of murder and yet continue to condone the murderous act of abortion. The murder of anyone, regardless of their age or stage in life, is wrong. It is a cause for concern.