Proverbs 15:15 (NIV) All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the
cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Circumstances do not determine the state of joy or gladness of heart. It’s amazing to see those who are experiencing the most trying of circumstances and yet are savoring life as if it were a feast.

First of all, have you ever been out to eat with someone who can’t find anything on the menu that they like? Though they may have never eaten at this particular establishment, the listings are already associated with some objectionable experience of the past and therefore are relegated to the unacceptable. Then, once something is deemed worthy of ordering, upon its arrival there is something about its preparation or its appearance that sends it back to the kitchen for adjustments.

There is that person’s opposite, though, who doesn’t really care that much about the menu, other than to check the prices maybe. Anything on there will be more than satisfactory, and they just can’t wait to dive into whatever arrives. More important than what they’re eating is the fact that they are eating and get to experience the joy of a meal. There is a guy on TV like this who goes around to all places in the world to experience preparations of different cultures and types. There are often things that would appear to be unsavory in respect to their source and their appearance, but this guy just straps on the bib and goes to eating with an appetite. For him, the whole world represents an opportunity for a feast.

We are privileged to know a pastor from a nearby city where the worst fire in Texas history is burning. A couple days ago we took a few things to contribute to the victims of the tragedy, saw the cloud of smoke from the fire, and observed those who had been affected by its destruction. The church had opened its doors to the evacuees. Several rooms had cots on the floor and one of the ministry rooms became a dining room. Several families from the church itself had lost their homes in the fire, and, while I’m sure there was more than enough reason for them to feel wretched and despairing for life, there was something quite opposite that we observed coming from those we spoke with. They didn’t appear to be anxious in the least or despising what was set before them. Rather, they seemed to be savoring the opportunity to trust God and care for others who were going through the same difficulty. There was a calm peacefulness and a joy that emanated from them that clearly represented someone who was finding something very tasty to partake of even in this circumstance that looked to be quite otherwise.

Though we had just met these inspiring cheerful folks who had lost their homes, it would seem that their state of cheerfulness must have been something that was existent long before this fire impacted their lives. Surely the onset of this traumatic event didn’t somehow release them from a cloud of oppression to experience joy and happiness. A heart of gladness was already established in them and its cheer would not be affected by this circumstance of life, because for them all of life would always be seen as a feast. They’re not looking to send anything back to the kitchen, but in every course put before them, they anticipate a feast, where God is right in the middle of it with the spice and the ingredients that will make it most savory.

There may be times of obvious blessing and there may be times of rebuilding that are set before us in life, but the best preparation for them all is a cheerful heart. This cheerful heart is not one that can just be acquired upon a whim or decision, though. This cheerfulness comes from a continual encounter with the One whose presence brings joy and makes to be glad. He is the lifter of heads and knows the way to turn any circumstance into an incredible rewarding feast.

Psalm 4:6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.

This would seem to be the deciding question for most- “Who will bring us prosperity?”

The nation that was established in the light of the Creator’s face, with full dependence and reliance upon His provision, has experienced the inevitable of any who is found there- prosperity. And, this prosperity has survived many departures from that light, where the source has appeared to come from elsewhere and a path has been made to that alternative.

The dependence upon God was so great by those who were a part of it’s building that this foundation would endure dangerous challenges to its basic truths. Declaring independence from the start was a bold claim upon a dependence that could not be displaced by any king or other governing entity. It wasn’t a fickle proclamation of desire to be free of any dependence, but rather a sincere recognition that dependence on any other than God was a commitment to be its slave.

The illusion that prosperity would come from enslaving others was also a direct challenge to God-reliance, and this notion, even embraced by those who professed faith, was only brought down by an insistence upon basic truths and principles that could only come from God.

Industrial and technological revelations have introduced significant diversions of dependence and misperception of prosperity’s source. Incredible amounts of wealth have come from God-inspired inventions and devices that have made life easy and entertaining, and have also made it seem that they themselves are the real source of prosperity. Because of the accumulation of wealth by those who successfully produce, they themselves are seen as the source of prosperity from which there may not only be an expectance, but a demand.

While this wealth has really been the result of God’s provision and faithfulness, reliance has been diverted from Him to the place where His supply has been collected and corrupted. Rather than looking to God as the One who will bring the prosperity, the light of His face has been replaced by the shadows of those who promise the most for nothing. From the One who promises to supply not just stuff, but the ability to be fulfilled in producing, caring for and maintaining His provision, faces have been turned towards those who claim to be able to come up with all that in His stead and at the expense of those who have pursued the path of diligence and excellence.

Wherever there is an insistence on taking rather than giving, there is removal of God dependence and the embrace of every other emotional response that cannot and will not reflect an awareness of His presence and the light of His face. However, in the realm of trust, where assurance of His faithfulness extends beyond this life to the eternal one beyond, there is no need to demand anything of a governing entity, a neighbor, or fellow citizen. The compelling desire is more about being a part of God’s provision, to be His hand and His supply, than being a hand that will take it from another and pretend and claim to be the source. To turn off the light of God’s face is turn off the ability to see or hear the right answer to that question of prosperity’s source.   As soon as He is no longer honored or welcomed, there is no ability whatsoever to perceive and pursue the only true source of provision.

Whether or not this nation endures this greatest challenge to its foundation will have everything to do with its answer to the question. Where we look and with whom we find our pleasure will directly determine our ability to stave off the greatest challenges to our existence. It might seem that our wars and foreign enemies have been ominous threats to our continuance, but the greatest threat then and now is the threat to our question’s answer. Will we continue to look to the light for our prosperity or somehow find assurance in voices and promises that have never been proven and could very well be gone in no time?

Any light that God may shine will reflect on all collectively as it has through our history, but the light will only be magnified and made to be significant as it is experienced in each and every life that has found dependence on Him and lets that dependence grow on a daily basis.  With each heart that looks to Him, that boldly draws closer to His throne of grace with a prayer of faith, there is promise of further provision from His abundant heavenly supply.

Philippians 4:19 KJV
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Psalms 33: 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh forth Upon all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works. 16 There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power. 18 Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness; 19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

Security is felt and confidence is gained in the display of armaments and the masses of military personnel. Videos from the Second World War show the great parades of the German army, where row after row of high stepping troops were followed by row after row of armed vehicles. Without even firing a shot, a sense of superior might was felt and boldness was instilled to invade, occupy and dominate foreign entities that hadn’t even been enemies or a threat. That war, though, was a great display that no matter the dominance of military strength and ingenuity, where there is no fear of God, there can be no assurance of victory. All of the power on earth is insufficient to overwhelm the one who is truly in awe and reverence of the Holy One, and He will be aligned with those who haven’t found their confidence in their own might and strength.

The usage of the nuclear bombs in Japan has elevated the dominance of certain governments around the world who possess these weapons. Just the knowledge that a nation possesses this devastating instrument of war places them on a higher level of respect and consideration. While our nation has been the one with the largest stockpile and the display of a willingness to use it, the mere exhibition of this superior strength hasn’t been enough to preserve us through the years. Our appearance as a military giant hasn’t been the greatest preserving attribute that has characterized us throughout our history. It has been our humility before our Creator and our acknowledgement that we are but a nation under God. If, and when, this changes, and our reliance is placed on our own intelligence, moral superiority, and, again, military might, we will be just another example of a nation that has lost its fear of God. God is more into removing giants than becoming their adoring sponsor.

Though each of us is far from possessing the incredible power and wealth of a nation, we are yet susceptible to the same dangerous lures that would displace our dependence and trust. While it is part of being an excellent steward with what God has entrusted us to preserve and develop our physical bodies, it is not the strength of our arm or the beauty of our countenance that attracts the favor of the One who will promote and protect us. There can be no reliance upon the fully developed gifts and abilities that would cause us to be major players and movers and shakers. It isn’t the amassing of wealth and earthly holdings that will ultimately provide the security and confidence our soul longs for. There is one characteristic within us that will distinguish us as an ‘untouchable’, one who is surrounded by the grace, favor and preservation of Almighty God. Just as our nation has found its true greatness in its humility before God, so our individual lives will only find ultimate security as they are placed completely and totally ‘Under God’.

1 Cor 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Heb 13:20-21 (WEY) 20 Now may God who gives peace, and brought Jesus, our Lord, up again from among the dead—even Him who, by virtue of the blood of the eternal Covenant, is the great Shepherd of the sheep— 21 fully equip you with every grace that you may need for the doing of His will, producing in us that which will truly please Him through Jesus Christ.

First of all, it would seem that truly pleasing God is the driving force, doing His will is how that is done, and this just isn’t going to be any old walk in the park that can be done blind-folded, with your hands behind your back. It’s going to take an equipping of every grace (the application of His empowering favor in every area of life) in order to accomplish this otherwise impossible feat. His will is widespread and far-reaching. Then, though, it is to be understood, that all of the ability to do this is provided by Someone with a more than adequate resume. It would seem there will just be no pleasing Him apart from humbly accessing His grace through the blood of Jesus, and allowing it to be Him who makes possible the righteous walk through the valley of the shadow of death, frustration and confusion. Pleasing Him would be completely overwhelming if it weren’t for the unfailing resource of His presence, whereby we are never without full ability to complete the deed according to His preferences and His desires.

Recently a gas explosion took place in the Gulf, releasing massive amounts of oil into the water, causing an enormous mess to clean up and widespread disruption of ocean life. This took place far below the surface of the ocean where a drill was penetrating the floor. I read somewhere that on the very day this took place the company was touting its safety measures and how it was equipped to deal with emergencies. Ironically, there seemed to be no preparation whatsoever for something that had to have been a considered a possibility all along. For day after day thousands upon thousands of gallons of oil have freely flown from the gaping hole with no prepared ability to do anything effectively, partly due to the troubled seas on the surface. The oil company and the government have been somewhat helpless to do anything but monitor the disaster. I did hear just recently, though, that there was a large box being lowered over the hole to cover and seal it. Something else mentioned was that the further actual efforts were made to remedy the situation, the more various feasible options were being presented to actually do so.

Every day is full of potential explosions that are capable of disrupting all of life around us. Rather than just considering that all the necessary resources and precautions are already in place, it is vital that a continual advance to the throne of grace be made, the only place where there are no unforeseen surprises. To maintain the life that has been provided in Christ, unspotted and unstained by the disrupting substance of life’s encounters, an intimate relationship with the only real Equipper will make available the ready solutions that are clearly held in His hand. In fearful and reverent pursuit of His favor, there will be a reception in arms that are open to receive each one who is ready to place their life in His trust. Pleasing Him will come by simply allowing Him to come in and cap the unstoppable flow of contamination and unrighteousness- something only He is capable of doing.

There is true pleasing of Him available for each one who will but take their place at His side.

Eph 3:20 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Psalms 20:7 KJV  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

At the scene of the battle, when the forces are aligned in formation and the guns and munitions are in place, the most obvious elements of the battle are the visible strengths displayed. In David’s day, the army with the most chariots and horses had a visibly clear advantage over the adversary who was without them. In our day, the country with the most destructive and strategic bombs and defenses goes into the conflict with the clear advantage. There was a time, though, in our founding, when the ‘obvious’ was proven to be less than enough against those who were trusting in a force that, while less visibly equipped than the British forces, was much more effective. Through the success of our encounters since then we’ve been able to acquire and produce the weapons and forces that have come to dominate the entire world. With this advantage has come a reversal of roles from that of our infancy when the name of the Lord was a necessity for survival. Now, with the obvious superiority in our forces, it has become very difficult for many to even remember the name of the One who has faithfully given victory when ‘chariots’ and ‘horses’ could never have been enough. Calls are even coming for removal of ‘In God We Trust’ from the very ones David referred to as the ‘some’. While there may be a period when the accumulation of armaments achieves dominance, David, like Gideon, came to know that the ultimate victories would only come to the ‘we’ who remember with fondness and worship the name of the Lord their God. To rely instead in a faltering and failing system that is subject to human votes and misplaced reliance and alliance is to compromise the greatest ally that has insured our success so far- that of the King of kings and Lord of lords. The real strength of our nation even today is not in the bombs and missiles, but in the core of those who yet lift their eyes to heaven for the strength of defense that is still required for our prolonged existence.

Battle forces are arrayed this day in every personal life with threats of dominance and conquering force. There will be reason to give in to the ‘superior’ dominance of an apparently greater opposition. There also may be an attempt to trust in the ‘chariots’ and ‘horses’ of healthy bank accounts and superior mental understanding. In either case there is an opportunity for each of us to remove ourselves from the ‘some’ and take up sides with the ‘we’, the ones who will be on the side of the great Nation Builder and Dynasty Destroyer. His kingdom will exist forever beyond the era of any earthly conquering force. In Him will ever be a high tower of refuge from the dangers from both without and within. For His memory to render the necessary trust, though, in a heart that will choose Him above others, there will be a need for short term memory, the kind that references every moment of magnified God-awareness. Departure from the ‘some’ to the ‘we’ will be complete when the present memory of His overcoming power is sweet.

Philippians 1:6 KJV
(6)  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

One of the greatest challenges in relationships, whether it be in the home or the workplace is when a request is made for something specific to be done and this request is not performed. It was requested that the dishes be rinsed off and put in the dishwasher, but 4 hours later they were still perched in the sink with their debris intact. A particular task was to have been completed and reported on by noon, but nothing was heard from that person at the end of the day. An appointment was made for a business meeting during lunch, but 30 minutes past the scheduled time, the other party still hasn’t shown up.

While there are still some reliable, dependable individuals to be found, there is a natural tendency developed over a life of interaction with people to assume that if something isn’t obviously taking place right away then nothing is being accomplished and there is no performance of what was expected. Disappointment and frustration set in along with a fracture, however small it may be, in the relationship with that person who failed to perform. From that point on, they can no longer be depended upon and expectations for future performance must be diminished.

This developed tendency to assume a failure to perform is something that will be lost in a true relationship with our Father God. Though periods of time may pass when activity appears to have ceased, there can be a continual assurance that He has never discontinued the project He’s begun in us. He will never fail to show up, He’ll never fail to clean things up, and His commitment to completion is as solid and dependable as the sun’s rising. With Him there is an ever-increasing level of confidence and hopefulness rather than disappointment and second guessing. Completing what He’s begun in us will never be lowered in His priorities. It will never grind to a halt due to difficulty or struggle we may have. It is not directly connected to our performance, but it is, however, specifically connected to our choice to give Him access and be in Christ along with all this means for His progressive work in us.

Today, right here and right now, the great God of creation is performing in us all that we will allow. How great our confidence should be in His presence this day.

Psalms 9:10 MKJV
(10)  And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Jehovah, have not forsaken those who seek You.

We recently experienced another hail storm in our area of the country which, for home and vehicle owners means destruction of property, while for the ones providing the repairs, it means a harvest time. Specifically for the roofs of all the homes in a very large area, there is significant damage, and their insurance will pay for the majority of the cost.

So, given all this immediate opportunity for wealth, there has been a huge rush of gold diggers, salesmen from all parts of the country coming to get in on the action. I did say salesmen, and not necessarily roofers, because it is more necessary to convince a homeowner that their company is the one than to really know that much about roofing. Signs bearing many names I’ve never seen before have been placed in yards and on corners to draw potential customers to call their number. Once that number is called or the salesman shows up at the door, there is a different sales approach for every company that is meant to win over wary homeowners. Promises of no deductable, added services, and no worries (along with the kitchen sink) are made. There is only one thing, however, that is most difficult to overcome: name recognition or confidence. For all the promises, if there isn’t an established name brand that is supported by years of reliable service and support, it can be very difficult to gain the trust of a responsible home owner. While charm, good looks and tall yarns may turn many of those susceptible to such things, more often the most important main thing people are looking for is a well-established name with references and extended years of proven service. This name is one that needs to be established over a long period of time in the local community so that if any problems arise it can be assured a call for help will be answered and repairs will be quickly made. However, once this name is known, especially from personal experience or favorable reference, there is no question about who will be trusted with installing the new roof.

Storms have passed through, leaving every life in need of renewal and restoration. To this need have come a plethora of gold diggers, those ‘world’ salesmen, with the look, the personality, and the list of goodies that promise to meet and exceed whatever might be hoped for. Signs have been posted in every yard and on every corner with many different names and sales pitches. Friends, careers, entertainment, activity, mood enhancers, food and even religion are each ready to be presented as the provider of necessary repairs. Many are being chosen on a daily basis and quite often there is a reply of ‘already in contract’ to the question of need. There may be a certain level of satisfaction that comes from many areas of life as patches are made and damage is covered up by diversions, but when it comes to really trusting someone with the core, the heart, and all that will flow from it, there is great need to discover someone that has a name to back up any claim. More than just a flashy smile, a catch phrase and a promise of relief, there is a need for a name established by proven service over an extended period of time and in the local area.

While there may be many wannabes that are gaining significantly in the wake of the storm, there is really only one name that is proven far above any other. Before the beginning of time He was, not only setting up shop, but planning and providing for exactly what we might need. He has been proven time and again to meet and exceed the expectations of all who have put their trust in Him. Where there has been lack, He has filled to overflowing. Where there has been brokenness, He has mended and restored. Where sickness has brought disabling pain, He has brought complete healing. Where defeat, failure, and disappointment have brought complete hopelessness, He has established an overcoming, triumphant identity and life. For a list of references, there really is an infinite list, because everyone who has chosen to trust the name of Jesus, without fail has been provided an answer that exceeds the highest hopes or desires. The best confirmation of His name, though, is the one that comes from the previous experience. Once He’s been tested, tasted and tried, there’s no settling for anybody else that shows up at the door. And when it comes to gold, He considers us to be the most valuable treasure of His own heart and His own life. The name is Jesus. Trust no other.

Psalms 11:1-2 MSG
(1)  A David psalm. I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of GOD. So why would I run away now when you say, “Run to the mountains;
(2)  the evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every heart open to God.

She had heard them from the time they got out of the truck on the far side of the field, and immediately her pulse had begun to quicken. Although nestled safely in a hole behind some bushes, an uncertainty made its way into her heart. She had heard them before when they had come a couple weeks ago and drove away with several of her relatives tucked away in their bags. She had helped many of her family prepare their own safe places and couldn’t understand how one after one of them left their refuge to be shot right away as they attempted to escape in flight.

It was the dogs! And now, as she continued to listen intently, she could hear the dreaded sound of their excited barking as they eagerly anticipated the hunt. Not only did they produce that annoying and obnoxious sound, but they possessed this terrible ability to locate well-hidden prey, point it out to their master, and then rush in to flush it out of its hiding. There was one of them apparently headed right towards her hiding place even now, and her heart began to nearly leap out of her chest as she could no longer hear any sound from the dog, only shouts from the man with the gun. She knew what would come next. Would she be able to hold tight and resist the dog’s flushing or would she give way to that natural urge to abandon the security of her refuge? She closed her eyes, determining to resist all temptations to take flight and join those who had gone before to the destination of the bag.

A cleft in the Rock has been prepared for us. It’s a perfectly safe place, a refuge that is completely protected from any threat of the one who is going around, making a bunch of annoying sounds with his roar, and seeking to flush us out so he can put us in his bag and devour us. Although he is quite clever with his methods and while his success has been frequent with those that may even be close to us, the only way his weapons will be able to inflict any damage is if he can bully us, entice us, tempt us, or just somehow scare us into taking flight. The heart may leap into the chest and flight syndrome may kick in big time, but no matter how loud or real the threats, the only real safety and freedom from the power of his terror is in the shadow of the Redeemer’s wing, in the Secret Place of the Almighty. Once established and settled in to this cozy place at the Master’s side there will never be a legitimate need to go elsewhere. There will never be another entity or source that will require our departure from its security. In fact, the only way the hunter of our soul can touch us with his treachery is if he can persuade us to seek safety or fulfillment somewhere else. Only in departing from our place in worship will we lose our invincible protection. Only in taking flight for another apparently ‘better’ place will there be ability for his arrows to find their mark.

Having found our place in Christ, having been placed in our own personal eternal refuge, how could we ever depart from it for any other destination? Here come the dogs, though. There are the shouts and threats. What will we actually do when he comes rushing in? The Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard if we will but remain behind it in our peaceful, protected place in worship.

Isaiah 59:19 KJV
(19)  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Isaiah 30:1-3 KJV
(1) Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
(2) That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
(3) Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

There’s just something enticing about the shadow. Things are cooler in the shade. There’s escape from the brightness of the sun’s light inside its sphere. Perspectives change and everything is redefined there. So, what’s so bad about ending up there, just chillin’ and answering all the world’s problems?

All right- the truth will set you free, but when it comes to obtaining or living in truth, there is no substance whatsoever to that ‘truth’ discovered in the shadow. The reason for the shadow’s existence in the first place is that the real Truth has been deflected in some way, leaving an area where the only light is that reflected off other objects.

There is no lack for opinions. Based upon the ‘higher’ thoughts of those that are surely ‘smarter’ and more ‘well-informed’, life decisions and heart passions are set. We have, after all, been given a brain to think with, and to follow after anything that doesn’t make sense to our logic and ‘scientific’ deduction would be ignorant and foolhardy. This may be true, but a problem arises when the shadow is the place where the ‘answers’ are sought. Research obtained in the shadow will never fully portray all the truth. There may be portions and half truths, but until there is personal exposure to the Source of Truth Himself, only deflected and skewed processing can take place, because there is no real truth discovery where the Son’s light is shielded.

And it’s so easy to think of people who are doing this, running to the shadowy place of bondage for strength and trust. They’re quite proud of their ascent to elevated knowledge, and yet, they’re trapped and bound into slavery by the very thing they thought was their elevator. It’s easy to think of those poor souls and miss the moment when the shadow takes us in- when, instead of running to the only source of truth and understanding, circumstances in the shadows keep our thoughts in the darkness and the liberating light of God’s presence is kept from revealing to our opened eyes the solution born out of Truth. There will ever be a need to let our answers come in the light, refusing the perusing of the shade.

The Son is always shining above the clouds, and real strength, trust, and truth are continually awaiting those of us who will only step out of, instead of into the shadows. Why go back to those old, negative thoughts? Why go back to those debilitating habits? Why embrace and hold onto relationships where ‘friends’ are really taskmasters? Why let the deceptions of the shadow be an enticement, when the voice of the Master is waiting to speak directly to the heart that has bravely left the shadows for real adventure in the light.

Genesis 50:19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

I love how Joseph understands his place in the grand scheme of things. His brothers, the very ones who had sold him into slavery were standing before him, totally at his mercy. He fully possessed the power to take his revenge and get back at them for the years of hardship they’d put him through, and yet he knew that even though he held the position and wore the garb of a ruler, vengeance was not his to impose. This was God’s territory and Joseph would not step out of his true role of obedient servant to presume that he could move forward on his own with what he might see as righteous judgment. Although he had risen to significance and importance in the government of Egypt, he fully understood that his placement there was totally by the power and design of Almighty God. He also knew that his ascension to prominence was not just for his own exaltation and blessing, but his sole reason for arriving at the top was to save lives and bring sustenance to countless hungry stomachs that would have otherwise perished for starvation.

Joseph had been mistreated and abused in such an unforgivable manner, but out of submission himself to the plan of God for his life, he was able to see his brothers misdeeds as essential elements in fulfilling His Father’s ultimate purpose. What he brought out of the dungeon was not a bitter, depressed, and vengeful attitude, but an incredible appreciation for the grace, mercy, and favor of God. Although he could have expounded greatly upon the details of his abuse, magnifying the evil nature of his offenders and describing their likely and deserved end, he didn’t see his position as a means through which God would deal punishment. He understood, rather, that if God were to judge, that was one thing, but his role could only be that of provision and blessing.

How often is there an experience in life where abuse and mistreatment have brought great pain and hardship? It would seem that the greatest offense would be that of the one who has initially inflicted the difficulty. However, assuming the place of God in vengeance can become more detrimental to the ultimate plan of restoration and provision that is God’s heart and design. Even the greatest pre-meditated transgression can become a tool for righteousness when placed in the hand of God- greatest example – the cross.  How many mouths have remained unfed because the ‘leader’ has become more occupied with taking the place of God in correction and punishment than occupying the true role of restoration and providing nourishment?

Beyond the insurmountable wall of personal abuse endured, there is an expansive realm of brightness and freedom from the restraints that abuse has imposed. The only way to the other side of that barrier, though, is to take the only position that is truly ours- forgiveness and provision. Any assumption of rightful payback and being consumed with the greatness of the wrong done will only further establish the debilitating effect of their deed. Giving all those offenses to God, though, will disable their constraints and enable God’s plan for provision. Their intent may have been for harm or evil, but in God’s hands it will be used for good to accomplish His purpose of salvation.