THRIVING WHEN WE FEEL STUCK
Several weeks ago, Pastor Nate Schaus from Summit Church in Buckeye, AZ, concluded his sermon series "The Waiting Room" with the well-known Biblical account of the life of Joseph.
As Pastor walked us through Joseph's life - the dreams, the disruptions and his ultimate destiny - he shared three takeaways that are certainly applicable when we are feeling 'stuck' in the challenges we are facing today.
First, regardless of the situation in which Joseph found himself - the cistern, the caravan, even the prison - he made the choice to refuse to become bitter.
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:31-32
LORD, please guard my heart from bitterness in the midst of the turmoil around me. Amen.
Secondly, no matter where Joseph found himself, he made the choice to bloom where he was planted. He did not let his circumstances define him as a person. And, he took that one step further as he embraced where he was.
"Only let each person lead the life that the LORD has assigned to him, and to which God has called him."
1 Corinthians 7:17
LORD, help me to be content where you have placed me, even in these uncertain times.
Finally, Joseph made a commitment - probably daily - to do more than asked and to do it better than expected. Joseph knew that God was with Him in every aspect of his life and he brought that confidence and attitude to everything he did. These attributes blessed not only Joseph but those he served as well.
"But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave hm favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And whatever he did, the LORD gave him success." Gen. 39:21, 23b
LORD, let me always be aware of Your Presence in my life. Let my attitude bring glory to You and blessings to those I serve. Amen.
-Lynne Rose, School Ministries Early Childhood Consultant