Winter

Not sure why, but these words came to my mind a few days ago. I woke up this morning all ready to go. When I stepped outside it was 12 below. I decided it was a good day for some hot coco. I watched the sunlight glisten on the freshly fallen snow And then the wind began to blow. It's not pleasant outside, but two things I know, Spring is coming and God is in control.

God is In Charge

I've been reading the familiar story of Joseph's journey into Egypt (Genesis 37-50)and marveling at the work of God in the history of men. God gave Joseph as a gift to Isaac and Rebekah, a special son that Jacob Loved very much--remember the coat of many colors that caused his brothers to be jealous because they knew he was the favored son? The jealousy of his brothers caused them to sell Joseph into Slavery where he was purchased by the captain of Pharaoh's body guard in Egypt. In that home Joseph was blessed by God. The text actually says, "God was with him." Joseph was put in charge of everything in the captain's household. There Joseph was powerful, influential,and special. God is in Charge of Prosperity (Genesis 39). But things took a turn for the worse as Joseph was framed by Potiphar's wife and accused of making advances towards her when, in fact,it was she who repeatedly tempted Joseph to sin, but he refused. Next thing we know Joseph is "in the slammer." Went from being a hero to a heel instantaneously. Guess what? God is in Charge of Sad circumstances. While in prison "God was with Joseph" and he was put in charge of the other prisoners. You probably remember what happens next. The cup bearer and the baker for Pharaoh offended their master and were thrown in prison where they each had a dream and God revealed the interpretation of those dreams to Joseph. When the cup bearer was restored to Pharaoh he did not make mention of Joseph to the ruler and Joseph remained in prison 2 years. God is in charge of disappointments. Finally Pharaoh had a dream and God brought Joseph to Pharaoh. Joseph gave God credit for being able to interpret the dream and then Joseph was put in charge of Pharaoh's kingdom--God is in charge of prosperity. Later when Joseph encounters his brothers it is Joseph who states, "God sent me before you to preserve life" (Gen.45:5). God indeed used the circumstances to preserve Joseph and so many others, especially the line of Jacob. Pretty hard when we are blessed and when we are struggling to keep perspective that God is in Charge. He is in charge when things are going well and when we are really challenged. Joseph knew many times when he could have felt that God abandoned him, but through it all we see God's sovereign hand. A good lesson for us to learn as well. God is in Charge. When we don't understand and we can't trace His hand, trust His heart.