Jan
16 |
“That’s Bad, No That’s Good”
Cindie Jenkins |
|
Listen |
|
|
Genesis 39:2-4—The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted to him everything he owned. |
|
Inquire |
|
|
There is a children’s book in which a grandfather relates a series of events to his grandchildren and after each occurrence the children will say, “That’s good,” and Grandpa will respond, “No, that’s bad,” or when the children respond, “Oh, that’s bad,” Grandpa replies, “No, that’s good.” Each cause in the story has an unexpected effect which leads to a cycle of good/bad scenarios. That reminds me of Joseph’s life, about the time something happens to him that I think “Oh, that’s bad,” God turns into a positive situation. |
|
Faith |
|
|
Joseph had made it out of the cistern and was living the good life when the master’s wife had to go and turn all daytime drama (with viewer discretion advised) on him. Yet, Joseph’s response was not that he did not want to dishonor his master and lose all he had gained or to contribute to the woman’s sinfulness; Joseph refused the woman’s advances because he did not want to sin against God. It cost him a stint in prison. “Oh, that’s bad.” “No, that’s good.” If Joseph had not spent time in prison Pharaoh would never have known to look to Joseph to interpret his dream. Joseph told Pharaoh that he could not interpret dreams, but God could do it. Through all of Joseph’s circumstances, God was with Him, and Joseph recognized that. He refused to sin against God or take credit for God’s abilities. Can others see that the Lord is with me? Am I faithful to God in the highs and lows? Do I turn away from sin because of what it will cost me or because of how it will affect God? Do I take credit where God deserves the glory? |
|
Experience |
|
|
Father God, thank you for your gifts. I want to praise you in times of prosperity and in times of need, for I know your plans for me are good. Help me live so others see you in me. Amen
|
|