Fulfilling What God Wants You to Be Tough-Times Growth – Pt 3

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

The story of Joseph is a classic. But what makes the story noteworthy? Maybe it’s because the hero doesn’t sail into the sunset without a bumpy ride along the way. Kidnapping, enforced slavery, false accusations and prison all spring up as road-blocks in the life of the man who had been promised greatness. Circumstances went from bad to worse, then to worse still, as he rode his personal ancient-Egyptian rollercoaster. But there was one key recurring truth: ‘The Lord was with Joseph’ (Genesis 39:2).

Joseph might have wanted things simple, easy, as he watched his brothers bowed down to him in awe. But God had a bigger plan for Joseph in mind, that focused on Joseph becoming the man that God wanted him to be: Someone capable of leading a nation. That meant challenges were on the cards. It also means the opportunity to experience God’s presence in a way he wouldn’t have if he just won Middle East X-Factor. Over the thirteen years of suffering, God was growing Joseph. He was teaching him a spiritual paradox that says it’s when you’re weak that you can fully allow God to be God. As God said to Paul, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the ups and downs of life – many times it seems more like downs, help me to trust that these are things that all work in Your overall plan for my life. Help me trust You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen