RE:flect
You know, the Bible never says that everything happens for a reason. Really! It doesn't. But--some thing do. And other things God uses to prepare us for future events. God is in the business of using anything we do, or is done to us (good and bad) to benefit us in becoming all we were mean to be as humans!
"When Jacob learned that their was grain in Egypt..." Can you jump away with me for a second. Can we pretend that we are around a camp fire on a cool September evening? Pudgy-pies in the coals, s'mores and some cold root beer. The stars are in the sky, the moon is half there, the wind is slowly flowing through the leafs as they fade from green to yellow. And the story of Joseph is told. Can we pretend we have not heart this story since 2nd grade class with Ms. Anderson in church? We don't know what will happen... and then Jacob's name is mentioned again (after 21 years, since Joseph was sold into slavery). Yes... this is when the story starts getting good again (can you begin to imagine what may happen?).
" Then he [Joseph] remembered his dreams about them [his brothers]..." Can you also imagine what is going on in a 38 year old mind (how old are your parents now?) as you see your brothers 21 years later--and recognize them! Remember the dreams of Joseph: his brothers would bow to him eventually. After having to deal with Potiphar's wife, the cupbearer and who knows what else--Joseph is presented with a decision, "What do I do with my brothers?" And we begin to see here that Joseph is not consumed with getting even, yet he is hiding himself from them (using an interpreter). Makes me wonder if he can hear any conversations between the brothers before they speak to the interpreter. And what it may do. I think, honestly, I would be gloating, plotting on what to do to make their life miserable, payback. But Joseph is overcome with emotion and begins to cry in secret.
Somehow, sitting around this fire... I am not sure if Joseph is holding anything against his brothers. The ones who began all of this mess. This reaction is different that what we may expect--even giving them their money back. What is Joseph up to?
RE:act
Have you found yourself dreaming lately? Creatively using your mind to imagine? Day dreaming?
Ever wonder why you pray for things, and they don't happen? Now their can be several explainations about this. But let me challenge you with one thing:
Question: What will you do if you get what you pray for?
If there is a specific relationship that has friction and you want to see it get better--what will you do if that person approaches you? What will you do if they ask for forgiveness? Perhaps God is keeping you from messing up the situation any more until you are ready to actually live it out? Maybe you need to play it through in your head, and think about what you would say... how you would say it... and the tone you would use. I encourage you to have faith that --as you discover God's thoughts--and those thoughts become your thoughts-- and those thoughts become desires -- I pray God would give you the desires (his own desires) of your heart. I encourage you to pray for the opportunities to forgive, share, serve, talk about your faith, smile and share a word of encouragement with those who need it.
The farmer with faith prays for rain...and then plows the field and plants his corn.
RE:ply
Father, I believe in you. And I want to live with a faith like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.
Lord, I want to be ready for your time. Ready to do good at the right moment.
Lord, I humbly ask you to help me be creative, to imagine and to practice in my mind for the times that are to come. I know you see my future, I know that you are planning to use me in many difference circumstances.
Lord, help me to take the time to consider what is happening and what I should be ready to do. I love and want to serve you more, better and more faithfully.
Lord, I want to be able to do the things you ask.
"Forgive us our sins and you, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us." (Luke 11:4)
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