Last week our group brought the study “God’s Prevailing Purpose” to a close with wonderful thoughts from Scripture each day.
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In Genesis 44:30-45:3, we find Judah begging for his brother’s life, even offering to exchange his own life for the life of his brother. This is a far cry from where Judah was when we began just six weeks ago!
Life has a way of changing – changing our circumstances and changing us. It would be sad to come through difficulties and hard times without experiencing change. We want to come through, but come through better and having gained priceless lessons.
“No man is ever the same after God has laid His hand upon him.”
(A.W. Tozer)
We’re learning to intentionally fight the battle which wages in the pits of our stomachs. We fight it with God’s Word and prayer. It is a day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment battle. And it is changing us.
What lessons are you learning in these days we are living?
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In Genesis 45:16-24, we find Pharaoh, who is delighted to hear of Joseph’s brothers arrival at the palace. He wants them all to go back and get Jacob, their father as well.
Out of gratitude for all Joseph did to save Egypt during this time of famine, Pharaoh sent them back with supplies and a caravan; and with a promise of the best land when they returned.
Grace during a time of hardship.
I have sat looking at those words above for some time and questioned, “What does grace look like during hard times?”
This gentle reminder came through my thoughts:
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
These times of weakness – whether emotionally, physically, financially, or spiritually – are the times when God is going to come in and be all that we need.
Where are you experiencing grace these days?
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The study came to a close with the realization of how differently life is from six weeks ago. We could never have anticipated all the ways our lives would be changed. But God knew.
In Genesis 50:19-20, we find Joseph reassuring his brothers of his forgiveness, telling them not to fear the days ahead.
We often quote the text where Joseph points out that God had brought him to this position to save the lives of many. There we are reminded while the brothers meant him harm, God used it for good.
Yet it was verse 21 which grabbed my attention even though it was not included as part of our reading:
“No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.” (NLT)
Joseph spoke kindly to them and his words and manner of speaking brought them reassurance. Two timely reminders for us all:
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
In these hard days we are living, I want my words to be kind and reassuring to those around me. I’m betting each of you do as well.
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God is changing us,
and calling us us to speak kindly,
as His grace strengthens us day by day.
Photo 3: by Luke Ellis-Craven on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
This is my prayer too: “It would be sad to come through difficulties and hard times without experiencing change. We want to come through, but come through better and having gained priceless lessons.”
Right now I’m seeing more negative changes in me instead of positive, but hopefully God is purifying me through this crisis and in the end I’ll come out different in a GOOD way and not a worse way. 🙂 Grace, Lord!
Isn’t it amazing how we had no idea 6 weeks ago that we would be here. Yet God knew and was preparing the way for us. What a blessing that your study must have been for this time.
I loved this line, Joanne: “It would be sad to come through difficulties and hard times without experiencing change.” How true! Change is sometimes scary, especially when the threat of illness, isolation, and death hangs over all of us more than ever right now. Mya God work these changes for the good in each one of us. We do need to look for examples of grace, compassion, and kindness. Each of these human responses is a reflection of God’s love for us. I was looking for some encouragement this morning and found it here. Thank you!
“These times of weakness ”“ whether emotionally, physically, financially, or spiritually ”“ are the times when God is going to come in and be all that we need.” <”” I love that Joanne! This post was encouraging. Thank you for your words here!
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Joanne, this is such a wonderful post! I appreciated (and was convicted by) the verse about Joseph speaking kindly to his family members. Kindness is a healing balm for anxious, cooped up nerves, isn’t it? Hugs, friend.