Transforming Power: Not what I expected!

The story of Joseph in the Old Testament continues to intrigue me. I wonder, could Joseph have become the leader he was if he had not gone through the years of slavery and prison? I wonder how those years transformed Joseph’s spirit and mind. How could he go from being a prisoner to being second in command – only Pharaoh had more power? We are not given his thoughts while he was in the caravan on his way to Egypt, sold by his brothers to be a slave. We don’t know what he was thinking when he was unjustly accused and thrown into prison where he was ‘forgotten’ for a few years. I’m guessing it was a process working through anger and trusting in God’s goodness. He didn’t have the “story of Joseph” to look back on… he was living it!

And then I hear story after story of people who have been ‘relieved’ of their ministry positions where they were being eroded by the prevailing powers, unable to use the creative gifting God had given them and unable to express their love for people because of all the ‘stuff’ that was going on. They were so controlled by the situation, they didn’t even have the power to resign. I have watched them go through a time of searching, longing, and sometime self-deprecation. But in the end, they are transformed into powerful leaders, placed in positions that are ready for them, and able to be God’s ministers of reconciliation and healing to people around them. They would tell you that while it was hard, they are now blessed to be working in effective ministries where they are fulfilled and full of God’s grace.

Very few, if any, people go from the womb through blissful childhood, untainted by teen years, and given positions of power and authority which they maintain happily ever after. It seems that the tough things in life are the things that get our attention and allow God to transform us into useful vessels for His purposes. And in the end, we can say with Joseph, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

Having been through some hard things myself, I have learned some of the deep secrets of God. And I can see quickly in another person when they have been through some hard things. The marks of God’s grace are on them. We become less taken by the things and positions of this world and more filled with compassion and desire for others to really know God – not as the guy who keeps us out of hell, but the One who loves us deeply and would stop at nothing including the death of His Only Son on a cross to open all the doors for us to come ‘home’ to the One who created us. We are learning, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” We are learning His grace is sufficient for every day He gives us breath and that there is nothing to fear because we know we are called and we have an eternal focus, knowing that when we are done on this earth, we will be going to heaven to worship our Lord and King forever.

The world may be in turmoil, but we live in peace, trusting God to help us navigate the path before us. Thank You God, for Your grace each day and for the joy that I can experience here on earth regardless of my circumstances. You are an awesome God. Thank You for Your awesome love. Amen.