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Life may look simple and complicated. We may never fully understand why things happen in life. God is in control of his created world. He may put us in places, and give us positions to accomplish his purpose. Joseph was sold into slavery, rose to the position of governor, for the purpose of preserving his life and fulfilling God's plan. Why am I in this place and position?
Genesis 45:5-85 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.
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We cannot escape disappointment, discouragement and problems in this life. They are the realities of life we have to live with. When we face these things, we are comforted by scripture, that God is with us to comfort and help us with our struggles. He comforts us, that we may use the experience to help others in their problems. Let us not look at problems as the evils in our lives, but look at them as temporary unpleasant situations. These situations are brought in our lives to make us better and gain experience to help and encourage others.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. Christianity is like running a race. We have a starting and finishing point. Along the way, we will encounter distractions, discouragements and disappointments. We may be tempted to give up along the way. Let us be mindful, to enjoy the crown, we have to complete the race. Jesus is our perfect example, He endured to cross. We have to keep in our minds the heavenly goal that is before, run with endurance and finish our spiritual race.
Hebrews 12:2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bRV3J4n8cc Prayer is a powerful method of communicating with God. We talk to Him in expressing our thanks and making our request known. We mention the names and needs of those who are facing challenges, sick, church leaders, missionaries, family, friends, co-worker and those who need to hear the gospel and obey it. Prayer can make a big difference when we pray for people. Do not take lightly the request for prayer. Pray for us.
Colossians 4:2-32 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSe08VDfib0 Disappointment is a reality in this life. We have to accept it. Disappointment can come from people, things and the events of life. It can test our patience, faith, joy and hope. When it comes our way, we have to find the inner courage in us to keep pressing on. Two disciples of Jesus were disappointed when he died. Their hopes were shattered.
Luke 24:19-21 19"What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. Encouragement is important to people. It can actually change the course of another person's day, week or life. We all go through difficult days in our lives. Encouraging words can give us hope in hopeless situations, inspire us to achieve things, assist us to deal with adversities and give us that extra lift to keep on fighting that battles of life.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words If the Lord permits us to see each day the sun rises, let us take his presence with us wherever we go. We need to include God in our plans and ask him to lead and we follow. We need to listen to his voice and be obedient to his instructions. If we do these things, God will bless our lives and open new doors of opportunities for us each day.
Joshua 1:6-9 6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWJycJx-1Co Forgiveness will help to give yourself and the forgiven person freedom and peace. Some people want God to forgive them but are not willing to forgive those who may have wronged them. Forgiveness is a two way street. The lack of forgiveness in our lives will cause us to live unhappy lives. Forgive to be forgiven. Let us free ourselves from stress and anxiety that are associated with harboring ill will, bitterness, hatred and malice towards those who may have wronged us. Luke 11:4 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xpZ72SzdQno Man to man and man to God is unjust, but God to man is just. He is fair in all his ways with man. We are justly rewarded for our actions and works. The bible reminds us of the justice of God.
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Revelation 15:3 And sang the song of God's servant Moses and of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, LORD God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. God is able
When everything in our lives and experience is shaken that can be shaken, and only that which cannot be shaken remains, we see that God only is our rock and sure foundation in difficult times. Hold on to faith and believe in hope. Psalm 46:2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Song-Hold to God's unchanging hands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWC78-tTQoM |
AuthorRoy Graneau is the full-time preacher for the South Edmonton Church of Christ. 
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