HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Genesis 43:11a, 13
"And their father Israel said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: ..... Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!' "
Prior to this, Joseph's father was "Jacob" – deceiver, supplanter (Genesis 42:36). He responded to the situation as the natural man, fearful and unbelieving. Now he is called "Israel" – prevailing with God. He had a change of heart and perspective. He was now ready to trust God that there was a future, even if it involved sorrow. It was another dark night when Jesus met with his followers in the face of His impending death. The disciples did not understand the future and their hearts were heavy. Jesus said to them, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me." God had special things prepared for the future when the new day dawned. (John 14:1-2). My own heart has been heavy with grief for the future of America after the ruling of SCOTUS regarding homosexual marriage. In my natural mind, things look very bleak and fearful for the future of my beloved country. After a sleepless night, I awoke with John 14:1 in my heart and also Psalm 130:7 – "Hope in the LORD." When the future is dark and "if it must be so," I can trust God that there is a future on the other side.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: When the future is dark and hard to understand, God is our source of hope.
[end]
Have a hopeful day. Love you.
Genesis 43:11a, 13
"And their father Israel said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: ..... Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!' "
Prior to this, Joseph's father was "Jacob" – deceiver, supplanter (Genesis 42:36). He responded to the situation as the natural man, fearful and unbelieving. Now he is called "Israel" – prevailing with God. He had a change of heart and perspective. He was now ready to trust God that there was a future, even if it involved sorrow. It was another dark night when Jesus met with his followers in the face of His impending death. The disciples did not understand the future and their hearts were heavy. Jesus said to them, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me." God had special things prepared for the future when the new day dawned. (John 14:1-2). My own heart has been heavy with grief for the future of America after the ruling of SCOTUS regarding homosexual marriage. In my natural mind, things look very bleak and fearful for the future of my beloved country. After a sleepless night, I awoke with John 14:1 in my heart and also Psalm 130:7 – "Hope in the LORD." When the future is dark and "if it must be so," I can trust God that there is a future on the other side.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: When the future is dark and hard to understand, God is our source of hope.
[end]
Have a hopeful day. Love you.
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