February 04, 2020
We want an understandable God. A God who is like us. Who moves on our timetable, does what we want, and is at our beck and call as needed.
But God is God. He is the One-Who-Sees-All and therefore He is looking at our lives from a completely different perspective. He knows what we need and He knows how He could use our lives for a more transcendent purpose than having a life of mere comfort and luxury. A life of no difficulty.
Enter Joseph. Joseph was taken through a very, very hard life. In the end, God raised him to be the source of salvation for the very family members who had mistreated him. When their father died, they were fearful that Joseph would now take revenge. Joseph’s response illustrated that he was willing to let God be God.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (Genesis 50:19-20)
If Joseph had resisted God’s sovereign work in his life, he would have died a bitter man. He would have taken revenge against his brothers at his earliest opportunity. He would have been like any other self-absorbed human. And, his life would not have saved millions and taught all of us what a man who follows God fully looks like.
But, he let God be God, orchestrating the events of his life and resting in a faith in God's rightness and inherent goodness. And so should we.
Father, thank You for Your perfect perspective and overwhelming care. Thank You for not giving me what I want, but what I really need, which includes sufferings and hardships for greater purposes. Give me fresh grace to embrace Your sovereignty over my life, family, and future. You know what will bless me, bless others, and glorify Your name. Help me to relax in this and never try to take your place.
March 29, 2023
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
March 28, 2023
March 27, 2023
