Drawing Closer to Christ

Joseph is someone that many of us are familiar with. His story is found in Genesis 37-50. His story inspires us by reminding us of the providence and faithfulness of God, even in the face of dire circumstances. God is always able to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Below are some of the lessons from Joseph’s journey that remind us to keep our eyes on Jesus because He loves us and is always working in our lives. 

1. Walking in the ways of Jesus requires determination, even in the face of temptation. We must be willing to stand for what is right, and acknowledge when sin is knocking on our door.  When faced with temptation, Joseph said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” Joseph was not willing to betray God to satisfy the desires of others or himself. (Genesis 39:9)
2. Obedience to God will sometimes put you in uncomfortable situations. Joseph ended up in jail because of His determination to honor God, resist the devil and flee. But even though he was stuck in jail, God showed Him kindness and he was eventually promoted and put in charge of everything (Genesis 39:21-22). So even when you feel stuck in a bad situation, God has a purpose. We just need to trust Him and keep our hearts open to the opportunities He wants to bring our way. 
3. Be  aware of others because showing empathy shows God’s love. In spite of all Joseph was going through, he took time to notice that two of his fellow prisoners, the king of Egypt’s chief cupbearer and chief baker, looked distraught and he asked them, “Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:5-7) This shows that even while in jail, Joseph had grown close to God because he was showing concern for others. God will give us discernment and wisdom so that we can be a blessing to those around us. We must be willing to pay attention to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit and obey. Joseph’s concern for these two men, and the opportunity God gave him to interpret their dreams also ended up playing a significant role in his eventual release from prison.
4. When you sacrifice and give to others but feel forgotten by them, God still sees you. The chief cupbearer forgot to tell Pharaoh about the dreams that Joseph interpreted as he said he would. This caused Joseph to spend an extra two years in jail before the chief cupbearer finally remembered to mention Joseph’s name to Pharaoh and what he had done for him when he interpreted dreams for him and the baker. But in reality, it was part of God’s plan and timing because now it gave Joseph the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams so Pharaoh could experience Joseph’s gift firsthand (Genesis 41:1-36).
5. Always give God glory for your accomplishments. Joseph did not take credit for his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, instead He boldly proclaimed to Pharaoh, that “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Genesis 41:16). It is God’s power working in us that enables us to do what we do.
6. Favor and promotion in life come from God in His timing. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph was exalted and became second in command to Pharaoh over the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:37-45). This was a long way from the young boy who was betrayed and sold by his brothers (Genesis 37:18-36). 
7. Pay attention to a person’s character. Once Joseph was reunited with his brothers, he still used wisdom and tested them several times to see if their hearts had changed (Genesis 44). We need God’s wisdom to navigate relationships. Remember, a person’s actions reveal their character. 
8. Love and forgiveness always win. Joseph could have had animosity towards his brothers but instead He showed them love and forgiveness (Genesis 45). Although forgiveness doesn’t always lead to reconciliation with those who hurt us, like it did for Joseph, it does free us from the toxicity that the sin of unforgiveness can cause. As always, Jesus is our greatest example of love and forgiveness.

 God allows difficult seasons to instill discipline, build our character and teach us to trust Him. Joseph went from being a young immature boy who was betrayed by his brothers to being a faithful and godly ruler who was second in command over all of Egypt. This shows us that our perseverance in our faith in God is not without reward.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

When God gives you a dream, promise or vision for your life, He is the only one who can bring it to past. Our job is to trust Him and obey His instructions. He will work in and through you, in and through people, and He will work in the midst of your tough circumstances. So never limit God’s work in your life; with Him all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26)

Well, we’re a little more than half way through March already! And for about a week and a half, March ushered in some unusually warm weather here in Virginia, with temperatures ranging from 75-88. Although this premature spring weather did not last, it was a lovely reprieve, an unexpected but welcome blessing. But of course, I realize everyone does not feel the same because after returning from a sunny warm lunchtime walk, I expressed my excitement about the warm weather to a colleague in the hallway. My enthusiasm was quickly met with her disappointment. She said it was way too early for the cooler weather to be gone. Then, I remembered she spent many years in the midwest and favored cold weather. Even though I too spent many years in the midwest (Michigan), I still prefer warmer weather.

However, I knew she was right about it being too early to be so warm. But that didn’t stop me from taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, to visit a nearby park, sit on a bench, drink a smoothie, watch the water, and enjoy the delightful sounds of children on the playground. It was refreshing. At some point during my visit to the park, my colleague crossed my mind. As I remembered our conversation, I chuckled.

It’s true, God made us all different and our preferences with the weather is just one small example of that. But another difference, one that has a much greater impact, is faith. Faith can vary from person to person. Even within the same faith, Christianity for example, we can find an array of different beliefs and perspectives. I think most of us could agree, that while some differences related to faith can be a good thing, because it encourages us to learn, grow, and love each other through the differences, there are times it causes much disunity and stress.

Walking by faith does not always produce quick answers, which is contrary to the society we live in that usually promotes an I want it now, rather than later culture. Developing faith takes time. Getting to know God takes time, a lifetime. But God does not change, we do. So that is why God’s Word is a priceless treasure. For in it, we can see His steadfast love and unchanging character. It teaches us how to navigate our ever changing world. Through its real life stories, we learn about God’s character, His faithfulness to love, heal, deliver, vindicate, discipline, and provide. And of course, through the Bible, we learn how to be like Jesus and walk in His way.

So why are we prone to wander from the truth, hope, and beauty of God’s word? I am sure that answer, like most things, can vary from person to person too, but perhaps in many cases, it is the allure of something better. A perceived better path or a quicker way to have our desires and needs met. Matthew 7:14 NLT, warns us that following Christ will not be easy, it says, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” So, not only is the road difficult, but it is only traveled by a few. And for those of us who have chosen the narrow difficult road, we know very well, it requires us to abide in Jesus continuously. Day by day, He is our daily bread. He is the One who directs our path and fills our hearts with joy as we travel the narrow road.  

As I reflect on my journey, one thing I have found to be unwavering is the love of God. It has taken me many years to become more confident in His love for me and I am still learning what confidence in God is. But, when I allow myself to rest safely in His perfect love, I have all I need. There is no lack, whatsoever. The peace and contentment found in His love is not even dependent on circumstances or people. It just comes from having faith that God will be exactly who He promised to be in any and every situation.

As Christians, we have to choose Jesus and embrace His joy, which means we choose to let life’s difficulties (which includes circumstances and people) point us back to Him. After all, our lives should be about His glory and helping to expand His kingdom. And when He becomes the focus, the very center, life somehow seems more manageable, simpler and sweeter, even in the midst of the complexities and chaos. It is hard to explain, but in my experience, that is just the way it is.

His love is a place of refuge, like nothing I have ever experienced before. I pray that you too would be kept safely in His love and care and run to Him for refuge.

Psalm 46:1 NLT

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 62:8 NKJV

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

Hebrews 10:38 NLT

And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”