"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
Recently I have been studying the life of Joseph in preparation in leading the men’s study group on Saturdays. Joseph experienced many troubles. At the age of 17 he was thrown into a pit by his brothers and sold as a slave. In Egypt, after climbing the ranks in Potiphar’s house, he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into jail. After many years in jail, he meets up with Pharaoh’s cupbearer who had been arrested. The cupbearer has a dream, and before interpreting the dream, Joseph asks for the cupbearer to remember him and tell Pharaoh of his innocence. In keeping with the interpretation, the cupbearer is released three days later, but forgets Joseph. Locked away and forgotten, that’s Joseph’s situation. Two years pass by and Pharaoh has two dreams…both with the same meaning…there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. No one could interpret his dream…except Joseph who was locked away in jail, forgotten. The cupbearer remembers him, Joseph is released, Pharaoh’s dreams are interpreted, and Joseph is promoted to second-in-command of Egypt. Did God allow Joseph to experience these bad times? Well, let Joseph speak for himself. He says to his brothers who would meet him years after being sold as a slave, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 45:4-8) So did God allow Joseph to be thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, falsely accused, and thrown in jail? Yes. Why would he have allowed this? It was so that he could be in a position where he could help his family and preserve life. Joseph would later say to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20) Covid-19 is not a pleasant thing. There are many troubles that it brings. But let’s step back for a moment and ask, “Has God allowed for this virus to be here?” This is a question concerning God’s sovereignty. The word “sovereignty” refers to a kings right and power to do all that he decides to do. How truly sovereign is God? Here are some verses to consider as you think about this question.
So, has God allowed this virus? The short answer is, yes. Nothing can happen without his permission. So the question that begs to be asked is, “Why would he allow this virus?” Now I’m sure we could spend time making a list, and I’m sure our lists would probably look different. On that list might be:
Have you considered that perhaps one of the good things he is bringing about is the salvation of others? Listen to what Paul said to those at Athens, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:24-27) When we look at the life of Joseph, he has the right perspective. He see's God's hand bringing about good in all things. The virus doesn't make void the promise of Romans 8:28. So I encourage you to see God's hand in it and see the good that he is working out.
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“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
The difficulties that have come with Covid-19 has caused many to become anxious. With the loss of employment, many worry if they will be able to provide for their family. With the self-isolations, many worry whether they will be able to see their family this Christmas. With the longevity of this season, many worry whether there will come an end. There are many worries, but there is still hope. We aren’t alone. We are never alone. There is someone who cares and is able to help. That someone is God. He is able to help, because He is mighty. His power is seen all around you. The sun that shines during the day giving energy to the plants, the river that runs through the valley providing nutrients and habitation to the animals, the moon that causes the tides to move sustaining life for all, are all there because of God’s creative power. Imagine what He can do to provide for you? However, it’s not only that He is able to help, but He is willing to help. And that is because He cares for you. But how can we know that for sure? We know because he sent His Son to come to earth to receive our payment for our sin (ie. death) so that there may be forgiveness and life for those who trust in Him. He met our greatest need. God is able to help, he is willing to help, so let us cast ALL our anxieties upon him. All the worries that we have because of this year. All the thoughts of “How will I provide for my family?”, “Will I be able to see my family?”, “Will there be an end to all this?”, “Will things become even more challenging?”…fling them ALL to the one who is able to help. Trust Him with your worries. Let Him have them. Yield yourself to His care. He is more than able to meet your need, whether it be strength, wisdom, courage, companionship, food, finances. Have any questions, thoughts or opinions? I'd love to hear from you. Comment below or go to "Get In Touch" and send a message. Hello! This is the first blog of many. So where do I start? Well, perhaps at the reason for this blog. Covid has changed many things for us. Due to the virus and the continual restrictions placed on us, things have become difficult for many people. What we need is hope for today...and hope for tomorrow. What is hope? By definition it is a desire accompanied by anticipation or expectation of something that will be obtained or fulfilled. Christmas seems to be a time that we especially hear this word repeated. Maybe you have heard someone say this year, "I hope I can see my family this Christmas". Such a statement expresses a heart-felt desire for something to happen and be fulfilled . Hope is often an optimistic desire for something good or better. And it is an attitude which carries us through even the most difficult times. That's why I would like to share with you some hope. Would you believe me if I told you that I have found an overflowing source? It's true! So, follow along with me as I share with you some hope for today and hope for tomorrow. |
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