If you were Joseph, how would you describe God when everything was going wrong? Put yourself in his situation. You've been sold as a slave by your own family, you've been accused of a crime you didn't commit, you've been in prison for years; How would you describe God when everything seems to have gone wrong?
Now, I want you to put yourself in Josephs's position again to answer another question, but this time put yourself in his position as the most powerful man in the most powerful nation on earth at the time. You can look back at all the difficulties and see that it was all worth it to be standing where you are now. How would you describe God after you see that He has turned everything to a blessing?
This is what Joseph said:
Genesis 50:20 (CEV)
20 You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing.
All that happened to Joseph was working for him and his family to bless them.
Here's the good report, the reputation, of God: He is working everything out to the good of those who love Him and have been called to His purpose!
This is what we should be thinking on in our difficult situations.
When you KNOW that truth in the deepest part of your heart then you can face ANYTHING because, like Joseph, you can say, I know that God will make my situations turn out for the best.
God wants to bless you and other people through you. Jesus gave us a mission. The motivation behind the mission is a blessing.
Matthew 28:18–20 (CEV)
18 Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth!
19 Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
We are blessed by God through the gift of salvation. We have become children of God by trusting in the work of Christ to redeem our souls. That's the greatest blessing we could have ever received.
The gift and blessing of our salvation should be enough. This life is short.
Part of the job of being a Pastor is that you are with people at the end of their life. I've stood beside many hospital beds as people cross from this life to the next.
And you know what? They aren't concerned one little bit about this world. Money, house, car, and material blessings just don't mean anything at that point. All that matters is what's coming next.
What's the reputation of God? He has taken care of you through His Son Jesus. He loved you before you loved Him. You can't earn His love…the blessing is that it's a gift!
Joseph is a representation of Jesus. He was abused, rejected, accused, and seemingly defeated. But God had plans for him. He was brought out of the pit and given a place of honor. His life was used to accomplish God's plan of blessing all the people of that time.
Jesus was abused, rejected, accused, and seemingly defeated. He was murdered. But, God had plans. Jesus was brought back to life from death! He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth! His life was broken so that God could bless all of humanity.
Let me tell you; this is your great hope. This is your greatest blessing. You might be going through hard times, but I'm telling you the good report is that Christ has already delivered you!
Now, if you understand that truth, then you will live your life as Christ told you too by proclaiming this great news. Making disciples would be a great joy in life. Doing the will of God would be a pleasure, not a task. Hard times are just part of the journey.
You'd be saying like Joseph:
Genesis 50:20 (CEV)
20 You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing.
Joseph knew God's good reputation. He had the correct beliefs and opinions about God.
It all comes down to thinking about things of good report. You need to make sure that you have the right view of God, His reputation. When you do, no matter what you face, you'll find peace because you've placed your faith in a faithful God.
When you have the correct understanding of God you'll be encouraged, because you know that God is not against you. You'll be equipped with His strength, power, and peace because you called on Him in your time of preparation. And you'll be empowered because you know that the blessings of God have been given to you so that you can bless other people.
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