Listen people, we can get through this…Through this pandemic.
One can thrive, in the midst of isolation.
One can thrive, even if they have no family close by.
One can thrive, within an unfamiliar environment.
And one can thrive, in a place where they ‘feel’ out of place.
We can, because I Am say’s He will never leave us (His children).
Good day peeps
Today’s post is going to be short, and sweet. I’d like to encourage you, that you can still stand firm during times of great difficulty, because of Christ the solid rock. When the flood waters sweep in, one can still obtain a peace which surpasses all human understanding!
Matthew 7:24-27 ~ “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
During a corporal prayer session, it dawned upon me that, the main reason as to why Joseph could survive testing times, in a foreign land (unfamiliar environment), alone (away from family), was because he had the word of God within his heart. He was tried, and tested on multiple occasions, but the truth (God’s word) sustained him throughout years of difficulty.
Genesis 39:1-2 ~ “When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.
^^^Jospeh was actually sold into slavery by his own brothers, yet he did not hold a grudge against them. He forgave his brothers, and did not show any bitterness towards them. (Showing forgiveness is a godly thing to do).
Genesis 39:9 ~ No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.
^^^Here we can see that even in the midst of hardship, Joseph was determined to obey, honour, and please God.
Genesis 39:17-21 ~ Then she told him her story. “That Hebrew slave you’ve brought into our house tried to come in and fool around with me,” she said. “But when I screamed, he ran outside, leaving his cloak with me!” Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.
^^^Things seemed to go from bad to worse for Joseph, but we know that God was with Jospeh whilst he was in prison.
Genesis 39:23 ~ “The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.”
^^^Jospeh found success in an unfavourable environment, because God’s hand was upon Him. You too can find success, joy, love, comfort, and peace during this pandemic.
Genesis 40:5-8 ~ “While they were in prison, Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and baker each had a dream one night, and each dream had its own meaning. When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset. “Why do you look so worried today?” he asked them. And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.” “Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.”
^^^Joseph did not resent God during his moments of suffering, neither did he blame God! Instead Joseph pointed people to God, and told them about God’s power.
We do not have to succumb to the negative effects, which the Covid-19 virus, and global lockdowns have brought about. We don’t have to remain in prisons of fear, loneliness, and depression. This situation is not permanent.
Psalm 107:15-16 ~ “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.”
Joseph stood firm, because He had God as his rock, and we too can stand firm in the midst of a global pandemic, because the word of God is our refuge. We serve a God who is a very present help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 ~ God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Build upon Christ, cast your burdens unto Him, and stop carrying the load on your own! Otherwise you will collapse underneath your own weight.
Psalm 55:22 ~ Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Matthew 11:28-30 ~ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
You don’t have to remain in the prison of mental depression, suicidal thoughts, or anxiety. You can come out, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and with accepting help from others. During Joseph’s time in prison (captivity), he supported others, and pointed them towards the strength of God. You can use your suffering to help others too. In the midst of your mind battles, you can point others to God, and remember that this pandemic is a season which will eventually pass. We may have to learn to live with the virus, just as we have learnt to live with the flu, but we don’t have to stay bound to the chains of mental ill health permanently. Lean upon the word of God, and trust in His promises. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Love and blessings
From
Christian Lady After God’s Own Heart