Joseph and Warheads



Can we just speak about Joseph for a minute?!

Wowza!

This dude, excuse the slang, had an amazing attitude considering his circumstances. We're talking about sibling rivalry, slavery, and prison. Could you imagine?

Any and all who know me would vouch for me kicking and screaming and holding a turnip into the sky towards my Lord!

Why AND where are you?!

I suppose if I were to be honest, I do that now! Circumstances in my world are FAR from what Joseph went through.

We owe Joseph a huge thanks for setting the bar. And man did he ever set one.

Thanks a lot Joseph!

You guys, the more I think of his story the more I am in awe of him. And here's why:

Potiphar's wife tried to set him up and he bolted. Just like that, gone! Would you have run? Or would you have put up a fight? Bucked up, perhaps?

During slavery, Joseph committed to being the best slave he could be. Seriously? I have been in situations that felt like slavery and boy did I fight. Not only did I fight but my attitude was that of a blue warhead. Sour! My face, viciously crinkled.

Then, we have the encounter with his brothers. He tests them and then embraces them. The same ones who sold him into slavery! Are you kidding me? No fighting? No harsh words exchanged? No vengeance? That's right, not one single thing but forgiveness!

Let me get this straight...God was with Joseph. Joseph ran from sin (Potiphar's wife), Joseph's faith during these times was an example, Joseph thanked God in his trials, and Joseph showed mercy which trumps any ill thought.

Geesh.

I don't know about you, but looking in the mirror right now sounds an awful lot like pulling teeth!

I remember times, recently, walking into a situation with that horrible, sour, crinkled face on, turnip in hand attitude. I may not have been speaking but the thought bubble above my head was screaming, "I'll show you!" You may ask if it helped my situation... Nope. Not. At. All.

What I'm getting at here is that somehow, somewhere along the line I was fooled into a "tough cookie" act. I'm here to shout at it's failure after many years of testing it's waters. It. Never. Works.

You know what does work? Joseph's attitude. His faith.

How many situations have ruffled your feathers? A lot, I'm sure. I'm also positive if we were allowed to go back, our reactions we would erase and redo. Since we can't do those things we can remember this story and work on our attitude and responses.

Clearly, I'm still figuring this part of my journey out! However, the more I grow and fall madly in love with God, the more I want to retire my warheads and Scarlet O Hara moments.

God never said we wouldn't face troubles on Earth, He did say He would never leave us and to trust Him. Joseph did that. He was the light and salt for those around him. Wow. What an example he was!

That's what I want!

So, if you see me in a "moment" swat the turnip out of my hand and scream, "Joseph!" I'll get the point!

With love.

Comments

Unknown said…
We were all created in the image of God...kind of have to really ponder that when I am losing patience with some obnoxious (oops) person...or when I look in the mirror. Love your insights on Joseph. He and Daniel are 2 of my Biblical favorites!
March 10, 2019 at 1:43 PM
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