Let’s be honest. Faith in a God we’ve never seen in person, a God we’ve never spoken with on a telephone, received a letter from or had a conversation with via a text is not easy. We need to constantly look around ourselves and wonder at the marvels of this world and this life to remind us, no way was creation an accident. We need to look for the everyday miracles happening in our lives and the lives of those around us. Some may call them coincidences; I call them God moments. And of course, we need to be in His word daily getting to know God in a personal and intimate way.
It’s no wonder then, Pastor Mike continued in his series on faith. Today’s message centered around Joseph. You know – Joseph and the coat of many colors Joseph? The coat that caused Joseph’s brothers, along with his dreams, to sell him into slavery because of their jealousy and contempt for him.
Pastor began his sermon with a story about Archie Williams. Archie is a man who, despite the evidence showing his innocence, was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit for 37 years. In 2019, thanks to the Innocence Project, Archie’s sentence was overturned, and he was set free.
When asked how he made it through those years without becoming angry and bitter, Archie explained that while his body was sent to prison, he never allowed his mind to be imprisoned. Instead, he continued to pray and sing praises to God helping his fellow inmates and watching America’s Got Talent (AGT). Following his release in March 2019, Archie auditioned and performed on AGT during their 15th season making his dream come true.
Joseph also went through trials in his life including false imprisonment. Joseph was the favored son of his father, Jacob. His brothers were filled with jealousy towards him when he spoke of his dreams. In those dreams, his brothers are bowing down to him. Even his father rebuked him. When the opportunity arose, his brothers placed Joseph in a cistern planning on leaving him to die. About that time, a caravan of traders was passing by so instead, they sold Joseph to the traders and he was carried off to Egypt.
Pastor reminded us that to this day, people including our children here in the United States, are still being sold into slavery.
God was with Joseph. He was recognized for his abilities by his owner, Potiphar. Potiphar elevated Joseph to second in command in his household directly underneath him. It was here where Joseph was falsely accused of attempting to rape Potiphar’s wife and thrown into jail. I would have to think even if there had been a trial, the outcome would have been the same, as Joseph was both a Hebrew in Egypt and a slave.
In prison, God made Joseph a favorite of the prison warden. Before long, Joseph was put in charge of the prison and the prisoners. During this time, he accurately interpreted the dreams of two of the prisoners. One of the prisoners is put to death and the other is returned to serve Pharaoh. Joseph asks the cup bearer to remember him when he is back in Pharaoh’s service. Unfortunately, the cup bearer does not remember his promise until two years later. It is only when Pharaoh needs someone to interpret his dream, is Joseph remembered.
Pharaoh relates his dream to Joseph who accurately provides the dream’s meaning giving credit to God. He tells Pharaoh of the coming famine and what needs to be done to ensure there is enough food during the years of famine. Pharaoh recognizes Joseph is filled with the spirit of God and puts him in charge of his court and his people.
Do you remember the rest of the story? Joseph’s story reads like a well written drama only it’s better because it is true. The seven years of prosperity are followed by seven years of famine. The famine strikes all the surrounding countries. Since Joseph was the governor of all Egypt, it was to him his brothers came, bowing before him and begging for food. (Remember Joseph’s dream?)
Joseph was a faithful servant of God. Like Archie, Joseph’s body may have been imprisoned, yet he continued to praise and worship God. He did not become bitter, angry, and vengeful. Joseph loved his family and he never forgot God’s promises. When his brothers became fearful that Joseph would seek revenge after their father’s death, he assured them.
“But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So, he assured them by speaking kindly to them.
Genesis 50:19-21
We all have trials – struggling marriages, children gone astray, illnesses, false accusations, addictions. God knows us and He knows our trials. He is always with us. Just as He was with Joseph, Esther, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and others. We do bring some trials on ourselves. Fortunately, even these God can use for good.
Joseph had faith. Archie had faith. Are you prepared to see what God can do if you have faith during your trials? Or will you turn your back and walk away like so many do when the road is long and difficult. Thirty-seven years in prison was a long road for Archie. It will be exciting to see how the rest of his life plays out knowing God was faithful to him. How will your life play out?
Let our trials cause our faith to swell. Let our struggles be our testimony that helps others who are also struggling. God paid a high price for our faith. He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins. Remember His promises and live in faith.
Until next Sunday…
God Bless!
– PSG –
Recent Comments