Thoughts for Life: God is With Us in Dark Times

Dr. Charles Stanley tells us that "The life of Joseph, [Gen. 39], teaches important principles about challenging times.

Here are three of the lessons we can learn from the adversities he faced:

1. Difficulties will continue until God's purpose is accomplished.

In Joseph's case, God's plan was to prepare him to rescue his family as well as the nation of Egypt from famine.

In order to ready Joseph for a position of authority and responsibility, God placed him in an important Egyptian household as a slave.

There, in difficult circumstances, Joseph could learn key lessons needed for the future. Not only did he acquire valuable skills, but his faith and relationship with the Lord were also strengthened.

God still operates that way so we will be equipped to accomplish the work He has planned for us Eph. 2:10.

2. We learn more in the dark than we do in the light.

Besides discovering the Lord's faithfulness, Joseph learned how to discern God's presence, reject temptation, and handle any position, whether respected or lowly.

The lessons and principles of Scripture truly become 'ours' only after they have been tested and proven reliable.

3. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light.

Joseph openly share his faith and knowledge from God when he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams Gen. 41:15-16.

What we learn in our trials is to be offered to those who are suffering.

Nobody looks for adversity, but hard times seem to find us often enough.

Instead of fearing hard circumstances, we can trust God and embrace His plan, knowing He uses trials for his glory and our gain."

[This was take from the April issue of In Touch magazine of
Dr. Charles Stanley, pg 45.]

Let’s pray: Father, it has been our experience that You have always have shown us mercy and protection during our difficult times. We are learning that You're always with us, and You will help us go through each situation, to learn from them. May we allow our characters to become more like Christ's as a result. Help us to always keep His Word in mind to guide us. We pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 18:3-4 NKJV "Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make."

Some thoughts today: Transfer the responsibility to the Awesome God!

- Develop your own time with the Lord. You’ll hear from Him and
become intimate.

- Remember, there’s something put in you by God that no one can take!

Today’s quote: Phyllis Qualls Freeman – “Has God challenged you with an occasion for change? You can be sure that if He transplants you, He will give tender care so you will develop and grow in Him. The vital part of your search for the right path is to seek and to trust absolutely in a God who loves to reveal His will and plan.”
Tomorrow morning’s post: Finding What You've Always Wanted Sharon Jaynes

Evening's post: Pass It On Randy Kilgore

A popular post: God Sent an Angel on my Darkest Day " I hoped to glean a speck of wisdom and get out of there. God had a different plan, a better one."