Dear family

I’ve been studying the life of Joseph over the weekend. Truly a favorite of mine, especially what it teaches us about the presence of God.

You cannot get anywhere in the story of Joseph without being a bit stunned by the suffering. It is one heartaches to another. If you haven’t read this story recently, take some time to read Genesis 37-50. Here’ what stands out to me, especially during his time at Potiphar’s house.

• Genesis 39:2 – The LORD was with Joseph.

• Genesis 39:3 – Joseph’s master saw that the LORD was with him
• Genesis 39:5 – From that time on, the LORD blessed Potiphar’s family and servants because of Joseph.
• Genesis 39: 20-21 – So he put Joseph in prison. It was the place where the king’s prisoners were kept. While Joseph was there in prison, the LORD was with him. He was kind to him.
• Genesis 39:23 – The man who ran the prison didn’t pay attention to anything that was in Joseph’s care. The LORD was with Jospeh. He gave Joseph success in everything he did.

In everything that was happening, we keep being reminded that the LORD was with Joseph. No matter what occurred, the text keeps reminding us that the LORD was near.

Even in suffering and heartache, the LORD is right here. Looking back over our lives, we remember how we felt in circumstances. When we wondered where he was when our loved one received news of disease and pain. Or when our loved one died. Or a surgery recovery is taking far too long. Or we look at the state of the world. Or one of our dear pets is ill. I mean, the list can go on.

Yet, this is the exact time when we must run to the truth. We must remind our hearts and allow others to encourage us with the truth. Makes me wonder about the author of Genesis. Joseph must have told his story, as he looked back, and saw the hand of God in each circumstance he faced.

When we look back at troubling times, we need also to look for God’s hand over it all. Look for the ways God moved in the past, and look to how he is moving now. It’s people texting you at just the right time. Or a sweet conversation. Many times, we wait for God to move in the same way, but our God is so much more creative and wise. It would be strange too, wouldn’t it? IF we knew how God was going to answer, maybe we would trust the answer rather than the God who came before them.

I remember a time when I went on a prayer walk, me telling God how he was going to answer our financial need. I expected God to have someone send money. He didn’t. But he did leave a note in my mailbox from a friend encouraging me and telling me to press on. He provided comfort as we walked a difficult road.

I also remember a time where our basement flooded and we lost everything in the basement. And a friend came over and handed us exactly what we needed. I never asked. Things like that. Both times I wasn’t sure where/how we were going to get through and he provided. I saw the LORD each time. I saw his provision, his presence was my answer in these two times.

So I turn the table to you? Look back and report God’s provision. Give thanks. Remind your heart as you walk the road you are on today. The LORD is still with you.