Time to Succeed.

Book of Joshua

It’s been a while since I've written. Sometimes life comes at you, and you only have two hands to hold on.  I've had moments where I feel like a complete failure when I don’t get to do all my routines – but God puts before us, each day, what He wants for us, and that’s what we do.

Do you find yourselves like that? Moments that interrupt? Mine happened to be a procedure. One more thing in this journey of infertility. It was one of those things I did not want to do. Needless to say – God has brought me to the other side – and it was not as bad as I thought.

The last 4 weeks has definitely been a faith journey. I take a step, God takes a step. I wait… still waiting. It’s like a chess match. However, I lack the vast knowledge and skill set of the master. So this is training ground. Bigger steps of faith.

Where are you in your faith? I have this verse that keeps echoing in my head – Romans 4:20 (NLT) ‘Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.’

Sometimes you have to walk several steps in a journey to understand this. Our infertility road has been long. Our first time with the infertility doctor led to some basic steps such as pills, timing, and small procedures. I felt like my faith was challenged, and I went a little crazy. Enter mom’s stroke, and infertility treatments, along with life was put on hold. 4 years later with failed plans to adopt, we are back at the infertility doctor. She’s picking up where she left off. We had the same procedures (artificial insemination) – again none resulted in pregnancy. She then tells me I need surgery.

Now everyone has things in their lives that they don’t want to do… comfort zones they don’t want to leave. These could entail moving, changing jobs, singing solos, public speaking, etc. One of mine happens to be needles, doctors – and surgery. When the words ‘surgery’ came out of her mouth I had the grace to listen and set up the surgery date. Once the conversation was over, I went inside, closed the door and fell apart. I asked ‘why?’ ‘Why can’t I just be normal, and have babies like normal people, why is this so hard?’ Once I came out of my funk, I realized – to get closer to having children, I have to have surgery to make sure there is nothing going on we don’t know about. So I started praying for strength, for peace, that it would be ok, that I wouldn't come awake during the surgery (I know, crazy. But that’s just what it is for me sometimes…)

Enter the Lord. To give you a set up for this, I have faced some big battles in my life. I have also lived in NYC, and that can help a girl become a little more independent, and ready to take risks. But this was a risk I didn't want to take. So God sent me to an incredible conference – in Austin, TX - a week before the surgery. I want to side step for a minute. If opportunities for you to go to a conference come about –then take them, and go with great expectation. God show up in many ways, and you should look for every way He shows up. But when you expect him to show up – then get ready for a great awakening.

The moment I entered the conference center, I was transformed into a farmhouse chic environment. There were plush white chairs on the stage, set against a wooden slat background and beautiful farm tables covered with flowers. I was in heaven. Vintage tables lined the outside walls with water for thirsty travelers. And… there was shopping, handbags, shoes, books, journals, jewelry. Paradise.

My friend, Susan and I grabbed our seats that held a special bag filled with gifts from the conference. The worship began, and we were brought to the throne of the Heavenly Father. Don’t we all need an oasis like that? Then the speaker begins. The theme was centered on Joshua, the Israelites and the fact they were finally entering Canaan. What I had forgotten about was their failed attempt to enter Canaan 40 years before (Numbers 13 &14.) Fear had kept them out of the Promised Land. Fear of giants, fear of the past, and the fear of the unknown stopped them just shy of the Jordan River.

What we were looking at was the difference in 40 years. The difference is perspective. Fear had held the Israelites in place, but now Joshua has a newer stronger faith. It was the same giants, same land, same unknown, but the Israelites' trust in God had changed. And 3 times in Chapter one of the book of Joshua, God tells Joshua to be 'strong and courageous' – for I (the Lord) am with you wherever you go.

Hmmm. Was God speaking to me???? 4 years ago, if the prospect of surgery had come up, I would have probably said no. This was not something I needed to have to live, it was exploratory – to see if something was blocking me. So now, 4 years later – I knew God was saying ‘Be strong and courageous, for I am with you wherever you go.’ I did not know what the outcome would be, but I had a Holy confidence to walk into the very thing I did not want to do.

And do you know what He did? He gave me some answers. Endometriosis. The doctor took it out and I healed in a few days.

I am still on this journey. I don’t know how it will end. I’m a little scared of asking. But I know that I overcame a huge hurdle of surgery – the Lord truly made a mountain a level plain before me. (Zechariah 4:7) And for the first time in a while it occurred to me that God wants me to succeed (thanks to wise words of a speaker at that conference.)

So my question is – what risk is before you? What unknown do you need to walk into? Maybe it’s time for a fresh encounter with the God of faith, and a fresh look at Joshua, or David, or Joseph, or Abraham. Maybe it’s time to realize God is for you.

Maybe it’s time to succeed.

Be Real.

I think, sometimes as ‘Christians’ we feel we have to act, dress, and talk like a 'Christian.' I have seen it so many times in the churches I’ve been in. We carry our Bible with a cute Bible cover, our journal and pen on Sunday morning . We wear longer skirts and appropriate church clothes. We speak with religious vocabulary using those words we think make us sound Christian. We tell everyone we are fine and keep a smile on our face.

Well – I’m not keeping myself out of that category. I think we feel that if we are going through something hard, we have to keep up the face to make sure we are showing that God is capable. I need you to hear me on this. God is capable of handling everything in our lives. But do we have to keep a happy face on when the world is crashing in? Why do we feel that way? Is it truth? No. Sometimes, we are not 'ok.' Sometimes, we can’t believe we are having to walk through a hard circumstance.

For most of you who know me, you know my husband and I have been walking the road of infertility for years. I mean years – I mean this is over a 10 year prayer (we’ve been married 15 years this year.) This past week, I encountered a particularly fearful part of this journey. There are some roads I have never wanted to walk – and to continue on this journey – I have to walk one of these. Needless to say, I found out right before church. I had to suck it up, hide my feelings and go in the door acting like everything is ok. The problem was… I could not stop crying. Every song about faith hit a new nerve, and I was uncontrolled in my emotion. How do I believe He can answer this prayer – when He has chosen not to for years? How can I sing praises modeling my adoration, when I’m not sure He will ever answer yes? How do I live life with joy when facing a heartache that comes back every month? (Not to mention the shots, the pills, the blood tests I have to go through monthly…)

I know I’m not alone. I know there are many people who face many issues. I have had several friends with breast cancer survive and walk triumphantly. I have family members with epilepsy that can never miss a pill. I have a mother who is now permanently paralyzed on one side – living in a nursing home the rest of her days. Things happen. How do you live through it?

A dear friend of mine met with me this week. She had seen my attempt to hide all emotion. She was trying to think of words to comfort me, but said she knew nothing could be said to make me feel better. As she was thinking of how to help me, the Lord brought Naomi to her mind. For the entire story – read the book of Ruth from the Bible – it’s amazing. But for now, we’ll stick to the point. My friend said she read through Ruth 1 and thought of all the roads Naomi had walked.

Due to a famine, Naomi, her husband and two sons left their hometown and moved to a foreign town (which can be exciting). While she was working through this life adjustment – her husband died (now she faces devastation). She raised the boys (as a single mom). They grew up and both got married (once again joy has returned.) Only to have both of the sons die. (Once again devastation.) She realized she needed to move back home (facing humiliation of coming back a widow, and childless.) She tried to send the daughter-in-laws back to their hometown (another feeling of loss.) One went back to her home town. The other, Ruth, stayed with Naomi.

I don’t know about you – but that’s a lot of emotional roller coasting. Up and down on the sea of life. This woman, who had been through so much decided to name herself Mara– (meaning bitter.) Ruth 1:20-21 says “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. ²¹ I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

My question is – do you ever feel like Naomi? Do you want to say - 'just call me bitter?' Hear my heart on this. There are moments in life that take your very breath away – and I’m not talking about looking out over the ocean… There are moments that numb you, grieve you, humiliate you, betray you – and you are left with the momentary question – where are you God and why did you let this happen?

Well – you aren't alone. Upon thinking about my conversation with my friend – she wanted me to communicate that people are real – and we have real feelings. Let’s get over ourselves as trying to act like the perfect Christian, and realize we are real people. We have emotions – we hurt. She and I were talking about how to pray through the problems without being disrespectful… and I thought of David. Have you read the psalms? That man had more emotional ups and down than anyone. He cried out to God and asked him why he abandoned him. He was praising one minute, and crying out in fear – then realizing God would protect, and would take care. He cried out in anguish – in guilt – in very emotion we could ever think to have – and yet he was referenced to, by God, as a man after God’s own heart. Acts 13:22 ‘After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'

David did some of the worst possible things a person can do - and yet was considered a man after God’s own heart. Why? I believe it’s because he chose to go back to God every time. God I don’t understand, but I’m coming back to you. God I don’t really trust that you have this – but I’m coming back to you. God, I don’t know why you let this happen – but I’m coming back to you.

Yes – you hurt – and it’s ok to hurt. Yes it sucks. It’s ok to admit it. But whatever you do – go back to Him. He will work it out. He will do great and marvelous things through you. Hold on to Him, and go back to Him.

One more person that cried out to God comes to my mind. Jesus. At the cross, after being beaten and nailed to it – struggling to breath – Jesus cried out scripture to His father. The scripture he had grown up learning – just like us. He used the words of David… My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46.)

If you think we have a savior that doesn't understand. You are wrong. Jesus walked through life scorned, rejected, betrayed by his closest companions. Then, He suffered and died a horrible death.

What is the good news? Death could not hold Him. He arose so we can have reconciliation with God. He laid the bridge of communication with his death and resurrection. We can talk to God. It’s ok to not understand. Its ok to ‘not act like’ everything is ok. It’s ok to walk into church, and tell your friends that you need prayer – or help.

We have all been there. Instead of pretending the way to be a strong Christian is to suck it up and put on a face, I dare you to be real. How are we going to let people know that we are walking a real road? How do we let them know that life hurts – and that you do get through, but it’s not all going to be roses and sunshine

I challenge you - be real – because there is a sister out there that is facing insurmountable difficulties, and she needs to know how real Christians hold on to God. Sometimes, it may seem like you are holding onto a bull by horns, and sometimes it may be on the floor of your bedroom crying out. But hold on to Him.

By the way – at the end of Naomi’s story – Ruth got married, had a son and Naomi got to help raise that precious boy. Obed. And if you decide to keep researching that scripture – you’ll see that that little boy grew up to be father to Jesse, who just happened to be father to David – which just happened to be the line that God decided to bring Jesus from.

Talk about a great ending to a story of a lady who had the guts to say… call me Mara – because sometimes life is tough.

Get in the Game…

Ephesians 6:10-18

Ok, it’s a New Year. That means new goals, new resolutions, football, weight loss, etc. It’s fun to think of a fresh start. Sometimes, we get so excited about goals that we miss what’s going on.

Our game. Looking at football – and my limited knowledge of the game – we see a strategy that draws us to a goal – winning. There are plays, defensive and offensive, that drive us to score. On the field, touchdowns are scored – but not without fumbles, interference, interceptions and tackles. It’s not easy to run toward that end zone when a 6’1” 250 lb. lineman is running at you full force; doing everything in his power to knock you down, and maybe even out if he can. It certainly can be intimidating. You need confidence to keep running. But where does that confidence come from? Your skill? Partly. But to be the best, you have to hit that field daily and practice. You must watch films to see how your opponents play. You routinely practice with your teammates to learn to work together, build each other up, and lean on each other when the tough play comes. These practices breed loyalty, endurance, determination, and excitement. They also are grueling, long, slow, and often remove sense of self. Sometimes you sit on the field looking at everything going on around you, every play, every tackle, every practice run up and down the field and you think… I can’t do this anymore.

But hold on, there is hope.

At the side of that field stands your coach. He has been where you. He has seen many victories and failures – more than you can count. He has run that field – to the end. He knows what to do to achieve victory. In fact, there are many specialized coaches on that field. Defensive coaches, offensive coaches, and even a kicking coach. These are the coaches that the head coach has added to his coaching team to direct you to the best way to achieve success.

Are you noticing a hidden meaning??? Consider this a modern day parable; a short story to illustrate a godly point.

You are in a game. We are called to run toward the prize.  Philippians 3:14 says “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…” God Himself called us to win this prize.

So how do we get to victory?

We gotta learn how to play the game. We can try to live this life on our skill set of talents and gifts. We can walk confidently onto that field with what we know and the talents we’ve been handed, but when that enemy that’s been playing many years runs at you – you can bet your talents will only get you so far. And, don’t stop to think for a minute that he hasn’t been watching films of you your whole life. He’s looking for weaknesses, some points of entry. He jumps on ways to divide and conquer. He also is an enemy that practices his craft daily. He’s good at what he does.

The good news? We have a victorious coach and the story has already been written. We will win. Our job? Do our best to get in the game. We can sit on the sides and watch this game… but who wants to keep the bench warm? The game is designed to be played.

Get to know the coach. He did walk this earth. Jesus went through many trials – including death. And he overcame EVERY ONE – including death.

He is risen. He is the victory. We have victory in Him. Watch the coach. Listen to his guidance. Run the plays he gives you – but not on your own. You have a handbook. It’s a 101 for dummies – 'Life 101 for dummies' - The Bible. Don’t just read it. Memorize it. How did David defeat the giant? With 5 stones? Yes, but who did he live for and believe in? Let’s look at David’s words (Genesis 17:45) “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…”

How did Jesus stand against temptation? With the Word of God. Matthew 4:4 “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. “Pray for a love of the Word of God. Pray to crave the word.

Look at strategies of opposing team. Who are your opponents? Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Practice on the field. Wear your pads and helmet. Ephesians 6:13-17 “¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Run those defensive and offensive plays – everyday. The movements should be memorized. You should know to duck when someone is swinging at your head. You should dart to the left when he is coming at you from the right. How? The Word of God.

Start off this season with a long talk with the coach.  Ask Him what to look for and what games He wants you to play this year. Let Him guide and direct you. In fact, He should be your best friend. Call Him when a friend hurts you. Call Him when an unexpected interview for job appears. Thank Him for everything He has given you. When you go to him for daily strategy, you will be well prepared for every game.

Don’t forget to listen to the special team coaches – (i.e. Pastor, Sunday School Teachers, Bible Study leaders, women’s conferences, counselors…) -the head coach has set them aside to help you work on specialized training. Maybe they help with your skill set. Some encourage. Some correct. They are there to make you the best player you can be.

Let’s have a victorious season – let’s be in the super bowl. Let’s walk away with a super bowl ring.

2015 is a year for champions.

Music

Psalm 50

What brings you joy? Are there things that you love being in your life? I am talking small things. I know my relationship to the Lord is top – then my family. I am so grateful for Mr. Joe Perry. But I am talking the everyday small things that you don’t think about.

Today – God used music. I love it. I always have – in fact… I was a music major in college. Intricate patterns, melodies and counter-melodies have long been a second language to me. But I have to tell you, I love to get lost in music – and the Lord knows it. He has used so many songs to speak to me to lift me up, to amuse me – or to satisfy that tune in my head that I can’t get rid of until I play it.

This may seem trivial to you – but I want you to think about something. Have you stopped to think about these small things that God uses to delight you? It may be a sunrise or sunset. It may be nature – or star gazing. What brings you joy?

While I was pondering – it hit me that God was doing that just for me. I realized I let life, worries, busyness and quite frankly ‘noise’ capture and hold my attention. The big sounds were drowning out the quiet voice of God. I then knew it was a choice. I choose to hear noise, worries, and stress. He lets us choose if we want to hear Him or not. The sad thing is – He puts things out there all the time for us, even when we don’t have time for Him.

I want to offer a challenge to you. Start marking down the small things – delights of God. What does He do for you every day?

Maybe if we focus on that – our attitudes might change a little.

This is the month for Thanksgiving – let’s be thankful! What do you have? Clothes? Shoes? (An abundance of shoes?)

The Bible tells us in Psalms 50:14 ‘Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,’

I went to read that verse, and ended up reading Psalm 50 in entirety. (It’s good to always see what verses surround the one you are thinking of – so we don’t take things out of context.)

Well – the Psalm reflects on what people have done for years. We work so hard to please… to be ‘holy’ and work for God – that we forget to be thankful.

You should read the entire Psalm – but I pulled out this segment:

Psalm 50:7-15

7 O my people, listen as I speak.
    Here are my charges against you, O Israel:
    I am God, your God!
⁸ I have no complaint about your sacrifices
    or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.
⁹ But I do not need the bulls from your barns
    or the goats from your pens.
¹⁰ For all the animals of the forest are mine,
    and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know every bird on the mountains,
    and all the animals of the field are mine.
¹² If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
    for all the world is mine and everything in it.
¹³ Do I eat the meat of bulls?
    Do I drink the blood of goats?
¹⁴ Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
¹⁵ Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”

God tells us so many times that he will rescue us – should we not be thankful?

Take a few minutes to think of all the ways God delights you. Choose today to spend time with Him – and be thankful for all He does.

‘What if…” A Change in Heart…

Matthew 7:7 ‘Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you shall find, knock, and the door will be opened unto you.’

What comes to your mind in a ‘what if?’ scenario? Judgment, accusations, pain, injury, fear? How many times do we play the ‘what if’ card – only to leave ourselves beaten, bruised, and lying in a heap of anxiety? This often comes to no achievement of anything but non-peace. The opposite of faith, and the word.

I was doing my Bible study homework and it was on prayer. Now as a firm believer in prayer – I tend to nod and amend a person on what I already know… Well – that’s just tacky of me. What do I know? And - with the knowledge I have, what do I practice?

Sometimes we need a slight, swift kick in the pants to remind us where we are with God. We can be full of the knowledge of God, faith, and peace. But do we live in that knowledge, or do we live in sight?

Today – I realized my problem. I have become lax in prayer life due to circumstances. Nothing bad – just a change routine. But that ‘lackness’ of putting up my shield of faith, has let all kinds of arrows come looming in at me. These arrows are the kind that have been hurled at me since I was a small girl. These arrows have nothing to do with my Father – these come from the father of lies.

And what do these arrows bring? This time –they bring more ‘what ifs’ then I want to count.

So going back to today’s lesson I was reading… What exactly was it talking about? 

Receiving.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it shall be GIVEN you

Seek and ye shall FIND.

Knock and the door shall be OPENED unto you.

For everyone who asks RECEVIES.

Everyone who seeks FINDS

And to everyone who knocks – the door will be OPENED unto him.

I love the NLT – it says… 'Keep on asking.'

Do you find yourself worrying about asking God for the same thing over and over? Well, rest assured. There is plenty of scripture telling us to keep on asking.

Luke 18:1-8, Mark 11:24, John 15:7, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9-13

The Lord has been telling me about receiving. He just wants me to receive – and I want to think it comes with a cost – but I’m wrong. Do you hear me on this? It is so hard to think God may just give us something… or it is for me at least.

Let’s go back to this ‘what-if’ game. What is really going on? God wants me to play ‘what-if’ with Him. But it looks a little different…

If I play ‘what-if’ with confidence, then I’m not looking at ‘what-if’ the bottom drops out… I’m looking at ‘what-if’ God decides to bless, to give, to grant to do the things His word says? Like ‘Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires you’re your heart.’ (Psalm 34:7) or ‘May He grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.’ (Psalm 20:4) ‘May the Lord answer all of your prayers’ (Psalm 25:5b)

I ask you… “What-if” He does? What if He comes through? What if He provides that money? What if He answers that prayer for a job, for a car, for a bill? What if?

Who is He? I am reminded of a word He keeps giving me.

As Moses speaks with God about the Israelites in Numbers 11, God asked Moses ‘Is there a limit to my Power?” (Verse 23.) Let me go ahead and tell you the answer is no - and I don’t think we want to test Him on this.

I do think we should look at one more conversation of Moses and God. The first recorded one… The one where God was speaking out of a bush ablaze with His glory… In the words of God –

“Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5)

So I ask one last time - ‘What if…?’

A bout with fear.

Psalm 56:3 'What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.'

Do you ever get paralyzed by the unknown? You hear something, think something, dream something, and boom. You think the worst. Your heart stops and you’re in a panic.

What does the Lord say?

Psalm 34. 'I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the lord. Let all who are helpless take heart.

Come let us tell of God’s greatness let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy. No shadow of shame will darken their faces.

In my desperation I prayed and the Lord listened, he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.'

The enemy wants to stop you in your tracks. He is the father of lies. The Lord wants us to be confident. I believe the antidote to all of this is to stay humble and walk with Him. 'The name of the Lord is strong tower, the righteous run into it – and they are safe.' (Proverbs 18:10)

So – an attack comes, what do you do?

            1. Go to the creator, cry out to Him for help.

2. Recall all the scripture He has given you. Some of my favorites are the Psalms… 34, 37, 20, 21, 4 & 5.

3. Ask Him to free you from the worry. His word is full of scripture about worry – and why we shouldn't.

4. Praise Him for taking you out of your misery, for protecting you, and for sending people along your way to encourage and uplift you.

He has you. He is protecting you. So who are you going to believe? God of grace and love, or lies of the enemy. The choice is yours. How long do you want to stay miserable?

Here are the scriptures He has given me in various anxiety battles. Learn them and keep them close to your heart.

Matthew 7:7 –'Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. For he who asks, receives. He who seeks finds, and he who knocks, the door will be opened unto him.'

List of Psalms:

34, 37, 20, 21, 4, 5, 91, 46

I had to write out the entirety of Psalm 91 –

Psalm 91 (NLT)

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

Fresh Perspective

Genesis 41:1 ‘Two full years later…’

Has God given you a fresh perspective lately? I’m not talking a new outlook or a new determination… I am talking – perspective.

I have been studying Joseph in Genesis – and God has me right in between Chapters 40 and 41. That may not seem like much… but it’s the two years that span between the time Joseph interprets the dream for the chief cup-bearer and the dreams for Pharaoh. So much changed in that time, but not much happened…

‘What do you mean?’ you ask… Let me tell you.

Joseph is in prison for a crime he did not commit…Before that he was sold into slavery and right before that, Joseph’s brothers had betrayed him, thrown him into a well and told his father he was dead.

Poor, poor Joseph (that’s from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat – for all you musical theater buffs…)

But that really was a long line of tough situations. Have you been there? Walking roads that just don’t seem to end?

Well – as I said – Joseph had been in prison. He had been there a while when he got the opportunity to interpret a dream for the Chief Cup-Bearer and Chief Baker (who were also in prison). Joseph used the opportunity to ask the cup-bearer to remember him when he left the prison. I often wonder if this was a desperate action of a man who had lost hope, and was seeing if man could help him, since God hadn't gotten him out of the situation yet. I’ve been trying to look at this from Joseph’s perspective. He had two dreams at age 17 about his brothers, and parents bowing down to him. Joseph had been waiting a while to see this dream come true… but how in the world could it when he is in prison for a crime he didn't commit? I would say he felt at the end of his rope. He’s using his talents and gifts for God, and he’s succeeding, but he’s still in a prison.

So after his attempt to get the cup-bearer to remember him, it failed. The word tells us that he forgot all about Joseph. So Joseph is back to waiting. Waiting for hope, waiting for change, waiting.

What does God do in the waiting? Sometimes I wonder if He is waiting for us. Waiting for us to realize who is really in control. Waiting for us to let go of the reigns. Waiting for us to realize the best way to the next chapter of life is to let God have ultimate control. Let Him shape, let him lead. See – I have been in that two years. I believe God gave me a moment of an open door, and I didn't like the instructions of how to walk through that door. He gave me clear directions – run and jump on (that moving train I talked about in the last blog.) However, I wanted another way to get onto that train. I tried several options instead of running alongside and jumping. Well – I never got on. And here we are… two full years later – with the same instructions.

What’s difference between now, and two full years ago? My perspective. Why would there be any better way than God’s way?

I needed a little humbling. I needed the last few inches of my stubborn will to finally give and say – Ok Lord… You are God. I am sorry for doing things my way, and just pouting about it. What do you want me to do?

Well – he used a friend to bring back the exact same instructions I received before –  a quick kick in the pants and now- I’m running to jump on the train.

So back to Genesis Chapter 40 - Joseph is in the waiting… Completely forgotten by the cup-bearer.

But that next chapter, chapter 41, it happens.

He gets a call to come interpret a dream. But not just for a cup-bearer. (Don’t we think too small?)

This dream was for Pharaoh himself. God was opening that door.

What changed? You got it. Perspective. We now have a fully compliant, obedient Joseph. The kind of man that is needed to be second in command under Pharaoh. The Joseph from two full years earlier wasn't ready.

This Joseph is.

So I ask. Do you have a fresh perspective?