Prisons and Pits

First off, congratulations to Deborah Smith for two huge milestones. First, her retirement from JMH. You made it girl. I couldn't have done your job there for $1 million/year. Second, the engagement of her daughter Kelly. Praise the Lord for opening doors and bringing Ryan and Kelly together for this moment. I know you are very proud of Kelly, she is a spectacular young woman and Ryan is a fine young man. I'm excited for you all.

Now on to Joseph. There is so much that could be said about Joseph, but I am trying to make these posts shorter so maybe more of you will actually want to read them. So here goes...

God drug Joseph through the ringer, but in the end, God's greater purpose was accomplished. Most of my ministerial life I have felt perhaps the way Joseph felt when he was in the prison and the cup bearer had forgotten about him. You love the Lord, you keep your faith, and you pursue righteousness, but it seems like one problem after another keeps coming your way. Joseph, however, kept his faith and eventually God used him to save his entire family and with it, the nation and future of Israel.

I often wonder why God does things the way He does them, but I have learned that God doesn't answer my "whys?" God does what He does, and He does not always reveal all the details of His plan to us. We are not called to question God, we are called to obey God.

But does every story end with a happy ending like Jospeh's? No and yes. For the Christian, we may experience some very difficult situations, and no, we may never be elevated to be head of something like Joseph was head over Egypt. But, yes, in the end, God has promised us the glories of heaven and the eternal inheritance with His Son, Jesus Christ. That is a happy ending no matter what.

I was talking to Anne the other day and I told her that if something happened to me and I did not live to see her grow up, I wanted her not to be overly sad. I want her to know that my story already has a happy ending no matter what prisons or pits I may end up in, and that all things occur in God's good timing.  I will be in heaven and I want her to know she will be in heaven one day too. I want her to live her life to the full, be happy, and keep her faith in God. I never want her to be angry at God for the difficulties in life, but to trust Him and cling to His goodness and promise.

I think I should take me own advice.