JOSEPH WAS AN OVERCOMER
Joseph is a striking example. Joseph was indulged by his father, hated and abused by his brothers, falsely accused of sexually assaulting his employer's wife, and forgotten in prison. Yet through those dark years, God was quietly moving Joseph into a position to save the founding fathers of Israel from starvation. God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, which put him in favor with the king of Egypt. And because of his God-given administrative ability, Joseph soon became the prime minister of Egypt. In this role, he was able to protect the nation of Egypt as well as his own family from famine. More than 30 years after being the victim of his brothers' hatred, Joseph quieted their fear of retaliation by saying: Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
In Genesis 50:20, we read Joseph's final words to his brothers. They are a capsule of his life's view:
"As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."This amazing perspective reflected a life that had embraced the living God and trusted Him completely. As you face the pains and heartaches and mistreatments of life, it is only by complete confidence in the goodness and plan of God that you can overcome. The things that could destroy you can become building blocks on the journey of faith as you look for the hand of God in all the circumstances of life.
"This is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith" (1 Jn. 5:4).If you have never confessed your sin and trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life can be a jumbled ball of confusion. But the One who died for your sins and gave Himself for your failures can bring rightness with God, forgiveness of sin, and a new sense of wholeness and purpose into your weary soul. Christ came into the world because of His love for you, and that love can bring an end to the emptiness or bitterness or sinfulness that wracks your life. Accept by faith the gift of eternal life and personal forgiveness He offers, for the only way to really overcome forever is to accept the victory of Calvary that He accomplished for you.
taken from the Discovery booklet "Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges"
Charles Stanley has this to say about
Joseph:
Forgiving One Another
It is illuminating to realize that nearly 25
percent of
the book of Genesis is devoted to the narrative of
the life
of Joseph though he wasn't the most important of
Jacob's
sons. Judah, an older brother of Joseph, is by far
the most
significant son of Jacob because Jesus Christ is of
Judah's
lineage.
Yet God in His infinite wisdom provided for us
the
account of Joseph, a "type" of Christ whose character
was
worth recounting.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Joseph's
character
was his forgiving spirit. He was wronged by his
father (who
dismissed Joseph's early dreams of God-ordained
greatness),
his brothers, Potiphar's wife, and even the butler, a
jailhouse friend.
Yet the Scriptures make clear that Joseph
forgave each
step of the way. We know this because the Bible
repeatedly
states that God was with Joseph or prospered his way.
God
will not honor someone who harbors an unforgiving
spirit.
Finally, we have the beautiful testimony of
Genesis
50:20, where Joseph's wisdom shines brightest. Though
his
brothers had meant him harm, Joseph knew God had
plans to
transform their evil deeds into good.
Forgiveness sets us free from bondage
figuratively
just as it did Joseph literally. Forgiveness is not
based
on feelings. To forgive is an act of the will. Will
you?
"It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."
St. Francis of Assisi
Genesis 50:14-21
© 1999 naomi7@altavista.com
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