From the Pastor’s Desk- May 2023

Let us consider the life of Joseph as he walked along on his journey of faith. I find real meaning in his life and circumstances, as it relates to our present situation as a church, and to the ultimate plan and purpose God has for our lives.

Joseph faced some difficult challenges early on in his life. It seemed that things were going great in his life, and then, quite unexpectedly, the bottom fell out. Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers and the flock, and when Joseph got there, they stripped him of his robe, and threw him into a pit. Then they sold him to some Ishmaelite traders, and he ended up as a slave in Egypt in a matter of days

The point I wish to make, is that Joseph probably didn’t understand all the things that were going on in his life just then.  Things must have seemed pretty confusing then, and even in the years ahead.

Yet, even in this uncertain time, Joseph remained true to God. When he could have been angry. When he could have been bitter. When he could have doubted God, and given up on his faith. Even in those times, when he didn’t understand, even in those times of difficulty, Joseph continued to serve God.

The scriptures tell us, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; … His master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hands.” (Genesis 39:2).

When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph replied: “How could I do this great wickedness and sin against God.? (Genesis 39:9) When none of the wise men or magicians could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams “Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”(Genesis 41:16).

Joseph may not have understood all that had happened in his life, but he continued to serve God, even in a time of uncertainty, and God continued to walk with him.

Uncertainty is not a time to pull away from God.  A time of uncertainty is a time to draw closer, to seek God’s face, and to continue to serve God.  So let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and let us not rely on our own understanding. Let us acknowledge Him in all that we do, and let us trust God to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5)

May God bless us all with the favor of Joseph, as we continue to serve the Lord.

Pastor Jim.