Day 4: Genesis 40-50

^{Genesis 41:33-40} 

Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.”

Joseph was literally thrown into a difficult situation.  The family who should have loved him, saw fault in the favor of their father towards him, and had to get rid of him.  Even in his cries for help, they walked away...


But God also favored him, for he remained faithful.  


It's hard going year after year of pain, troubles and tribulations.  We all want out of it.  We look to our friends and family to assist us.  But humans are humans and we all make mistakes - even in our priorities. But when we remain faithful, try to see the silver lining, looking towards His face, in His time, we find our prize.  It's not always what we want, but it's what we need.  And sometimes it's just barely what we need, but it's there.  


I'd think the hardest part of Joseph's situation was the interactions towards his brothers.  When we've been wronged by family, isn't it natural to never want to see them again - and when put in that situation, not even common courtesies exist? (I've seen it - it's not pretty).  But Joseph rose above... at least for a minute or two.  


I suppose his plot against his brothers, to meet Benjamin and see his father again had it's purpose - we all have to face obstacles to reach our final destination, and every story has it's protagonists and antagonists... but in this situation, which is Joseph?  On one hand - he's getting his just deserts for what his brothers did to him.  On the other - why not just come right out and say who he was?


The way I see it, why risk exposing yourself to the people who hurt you, until you know they've repented, and better yet, changed.  

Day 3: Genesis 29-40

Genesis 29:31-35New American Standard Bible (NASB) 

 ³¹ Now the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, and He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. ³²Leah conceived and bore a son and named him Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.” ³³ Then she conceived again and bore a son and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.” So she named him Simeon. ³⁴ She conceived again and bore a son and said, “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore he was named Levi. ³⁵ And she conceived again and bore a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

I've always felt a connection to Leah... I don't know why... They're just something about her story that draws me closer each time I read it.  

I have serious self esteem issues, and grew up thinking everyone hated me.  I know my parents love me, always have.  And I know my husband loves me.  And I had a few really close friends... but when everyone else around you tells you that you're never going to amount to anything or you're a loser or 'go and die'... well regardless of all the positive things in your life, the bad outweighs it. (see Cyber Bullying article)

I've always been in awe that in such terrible circumstances - something Leah had no control over, she found God's favor and was blessed.

We've had to deal with issues in our lives the last few years.  And yet, in all the turmoil, we've still be blessed.  The bonds in my family are stronger, our kids are kind, polite and very humble, and regardless of what's thrown at us, we know it will work out in it's own way.

My favorite books are the "Lowland" series by Liz Curtis Higgs. I think I was just married when I read Thorn in My Heart.  Normally, if I know a book is a part of a series, I wait until the series is done and then read all of them... not this time.

To hear the story of Leah in such a way as this, it really puts a person to the situation that's described in the Bible.  I knew the inevitable outcome, but when you think about the person that Leah (or Leana in 'Thorn') was you wonder what kind of father would put that much pain on their daughter, or a husband who would be so cold.  But our God is bigger.

Day 2: Genesis 17-29

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 28:15

I've always felt connected to the story of Jacob (primarily his wife Leah, but more about that tomorrow).  

I have to say, though, I've been through a lot over the last few years.  And there are plenty of times when I truly believed that The Lord had walked away from me.  Why did my dad have to get sick?  Why was my son born so early? Why did we have to lose our jobs?

It takes a lot to pray, but even more to praise.  And when times are difficult, when everything is just wrong, it's comforting to know that through my trials, I'm not going through them alone, but He's walking with me, carrying me when I can't stand on my own two feet.

I encourage anyone, that when you just think it can't get any worse, He's there to help you through it.  And as bad as it feels, when it's right, it will get better.

Day 1: Genesis Chapters 1-16

The stories in the first 16 chapters of the Bible are fairly well known; Creation of the Earth, Creation of Man, The Fall of Adam & Eve, Noah & The Flood, Lot, Abram and Sarai.

My daughter Samantha was reading her children's bible a few days ago.  She asked me why God took part of Adam to make Eve, why couldn't He just make Eve the way he made Adam.  Very profound for a 6 year old.

There's a joke that a friend of mine told me once, many years ago:

Adam was walking in the Garden of Eden, saw all the animals with their mates.  He asked God "Lord, can I have that? Someone who will stand by me, help me and love me?  The Lord said"Of Course, I will Create the perfect partner for you, filled with obedience and love.  But it'll cost you an arm and a leg."  Adam though for a moment and replied "What can I get for one of my ribs?"

I know, it's lame.

So why did God create Eve from Adam?  Well, I told my daughter that I love her father so much, that it feels like something is missing when we're not together - like we are physically connected and when we're apart of too long something's not right.  God used Adam's rib to connect husband and wife, mentally, emotionally and physically.

If you've been married or in a relationship (or even just close to your family), you know that you all start to think a like and finish sentences and all that weird family stuff.  I think that's God's way of reminding us that bonds of family - especially husband and wife - was built into us from the beginning.  It's all a part of his plan.