A Dreamer's Dream

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20 NLT)

Our friend and beloved brother Joseph (introduced to us in Genesis 35:24 as a son of Rachel) knows rejection. Joseph, son of Jacob who had been sold into slavery by members of his own family knows isolation. Joseph according to scripture (Genesis 39) was traded by the Ishmaelite traders and purchased by a man named Potiphar. From there Joseph worked diligently, but was falsely accused of rape (by Potiphar's wife), and sent to prison. If that wasn't enough, while in prison he was forgotten by those he helped and in a sense punished for doing the right thing.  No matter the wrongs Joseph continued to hold fast to his integrity. He stayed steadfast in his faith and soon found favor with Pharaoh. Joseph's life in more ways than one seemed like a roller coaster. When it was up it was way up, and when it was down is was way down, but no matter the placement Joseph knew that God would provide. Eventually, Joseph was in a position to help those who hurt him starting with his family. If it were you, would you have a heart to forgive those that hurt you and help them? 

No need to beat around the bush, you know what you've been through. You know the extent to which you've been hurt and you know the pain that you've endured. You can recall those who set traps before you by name and you remember how much it hurt. You recall the dream killers and you remember the ones who stuck around to see you fail. All of those feelings in one space can easily cause anyone to be angry to the point of lashing out, but I encourage you to rise above it. Stay true to who it is that God has designed you to be. Hurt and pain come with the territory, because even in your lows God is working on you that someone might be inspired by your testimony. It's time to dream big dreams and see them through, but you can't see dreams through trying to bring yourself the justice that only God can provide. The cycle of hurt people hurting people must stop now. The bible is full of the testimonies of people who were small in the eye site of man, but Great in the eye site of God. Which is an indicator that only God has the final say. 

Therefore, I encourage you to stop keeping track of the wrongs done to you by those who say they love you. Remember that with God's help any situation can be used for God's glory. 

In this faith journey it's very easy to get discouraged, but I dare you to dream. Have faith and know that even in your suffering and discomfort, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. It's in faith that miracles happen and in works that our dreams come to pass. So let's work! 

Let's pray: 

Lord, 

Search our hearts that we might live according to your expectations of us. Give us the courage to shine our lights in dark places and help us to realize that you will never leave us nor forsake us for it is in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen! 

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20 KJV)