160. Wala ka sa Lolo ko. He went through severe adversity, God intended it for good.

24 May 2021

“God intended it for good.” Genesis 50:20

Genesis 50

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 

21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

If one is to look at the adversity that Joseph went through, and you are to be in his place, will you resist or beg with your brothers not to sell you to slave traders? Will you wallow in despair while in prison in Egypt?

Will you plead with God for His Spirit to be with you through all that humbling journey?

So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 

You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:38-40

Joseph was able to survive the severe adversity before being appointed second in command to Pharaoh. That discomfort lasted for thirteen long years. If I were in Joseph's place I would think it was to be for eternity, there was no chance things will change for the better.

But with God, nothing is impossible. Is the Lord's arm too short? Numbers 11:23

Joseph was tested in adversity and he passed the test in the crucible. He also passed the test of the heart.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,

    but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3

Yesterday, I saw the post on fb Your Story of a former colleague at work and I thought it relates to the life of Joseph. It's a quote that caught my attention.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln

From britannica website/biography/Abraham-Lincoln/Prairie-lawyer:

Among American heroes, Lincoln continues to have a unique appeal for his fellow countrymen and also for people of other lands. This charm derives from his remarkable life story—the rise from humble origins, the dramatic death—and from his distinctively human and humane personality as well as from his historical role as saviour of the Union and emancipator of enslaved people. His relevance endures and grows especially because of his eloquence as a spokesman for democracy.

Going back to Joseph, his character was tested when he was given power as he became second in command to Pharaoh.

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 

So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 

‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. Genesis 50:15-17

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,

    but people are tested by their praise. Proverbs 27:21

Joseph remembered he went through adversity and then appointed second in command in Egypt because God intended it for good, to accomplish the saving of many lives. Amen.

I have been through severe adversity about 17 years ago and God allowed me to live to this day for me to share the good news about His Son Jesus Christ by way of the amazing grace bestowed on me.

Since the time I started the blog series, I have come to know people who have come to read the blogs and found comfort in the Word of God.

I have said before, even if one person gets to be blessed with a particular blog, then I consider it enough reason to go on writing.

I went through severe adversity and I found comfort in God's Word, I share my story that it may give comfort to those in trouble.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Lord, there was a time ".... when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness" (Job 30:26). "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:4, 6, 2, 1). With praises and thanksgiving, this I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

20 December 2017"

Wala ka sa Lolo ko; he went through severe adversity, God intended it for good, this my children's children will utter someday.

May you be blessed with God's Word.

Maraming salamat.