S)"5 Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."
Genesis 45:5 (NASB)
O) This is such a humble statement! The story of Joseph is the epitome of compassion and his example of gentleness is incredible! I mean, how easy would it have been to hold a grudge for 20 years and put them all to death? Or even, in bitterness, rub it in their faces that his dreams were right, all those years ago? Instead, he sees that his brothers are deathly afraid of him, while he is simply elated to be reunited with them. His thoughts are not of vengence, but of mercy. His thoughts are not to harm, but to heal. He immediately wants to use his position of power and authority to restore his brothers. I imagine this is exactly how Jesus felt when He was on the cross and asked the Father to forgive His accusers.
A) In the past, I'll admit that I have had difficulties with humility, compassion, and mercy. As I began to get closer and closer to God, He started to melt my heart, and soften it. I do my best, now, not to hold grudges. If something or some one offends me, I have determined to let it go. It's hard sometimes, but in humility, I want people to know that my life is not my own. I've come a long way, but it still takes a deliberate determination to turn the other cheek. If some one wrongs me, I will not retaliate. I won't stand idly by and let my family be assaulted, or anything like that. But I am determined to see every circumstance from God's perspective and I am adamant about finding His will in any given situation.
P) Father, I want to be used for Your purposes, whatever that might look like. If You want me to sell all my possessions and work in another country, so be it. If you want me to live where people will mock and harass me, so be it. I have determined to suffer any amount of personal abuse for Your purposes, Lord. It becomes increasingly important that I am humble and seeking Your will, though, LORD. Holy Spirit, speak to me daily. Help me stay in worship everyday, in the Word everyday, and in prayer everyday, to know that I am walking according to the Father's will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment