God Is With You Always
But the LORD was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer.
-- Genesis 39:21
Our lives are journeys that alternate between mountains and valleys and all the paths in between. We rarely have seasons of sameness, though I have learned to cherish those times as only someone who has felt the depths of despair can. Joseph always reminds me that God can use anyone, in any circumstance, for His glory and His purpose.
If you’ll remember, Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous older brothers. But God was with Joseph and He used Joseph to save His people. That’s the key. God was with him. Just like God is with us in all circumstances.
When we climb to the top of the mountains, God celebrates with us. When we plummet to the valley, God holds us close and carries us when we can no longer stand. He guides us along the paths of life -- if we’ll let Him.
Often we try to do things all by ourselves. That generally doesn’t end up so well because sooner or later we’re going to get in over our heads. At some point we’re going to end up in a place we never intended to go, facing a crisis we can’t fix. Not sure about that? Think you’re always in control and can handle anything? Talk to someone facing inoperable cancer. Speak to the person who just lost his job and has no prospects for another one. Hold the hand of an elderly person who put his trust in the wrong person and lost his life savings.
Then talk to those same people after they’ve felt the Presence of God. Let the person facing death tell you about God’s peace and the heaven that awaits. Ask the person without a job how it feels to find a bag of food left anonymously on his doorstep. Hear the elderly person speak of the love he feels as his family and friends embrace him and care for him.
God shines no matter where we are, no matter what the circumstances. He is with us always. He uses us to care for and bless others. Yes. God uses people like you and me. He calls us to pray for those who are sick and hurting. He tells us to encourage those beaten down by life. He asks us to reach out to others, sharing the blessings He gives us with those around us.
God is with us always, no matter the circumstances. And we should be with others, no matter their circumstances. So hold a hand, give a sincere compliment, pray for someone hurting and afraid. Visit a person who is alone and feels forgotten. Share a meal with a homeless person. Put a little extra in the offering plate at church. Show others that God is with you, lives within you, and directs your actions day by day.
No comments:
Post a Comment