Life is a test and a trust, and the more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be. Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. - Rick Warren
When I was young my godmother gave me a comic, it was the story of Joseph the dreamer. This was the first story that I kept reading until the pages were torn apart. I found myself mesmerized as I read each page, I felt I was in the story, I was with Joseph. I think I was at the primary level at the time, perhaps I was seven years old. Every day, I would read it thoroughly until I memorized it. I didn't know but the plot is so exciting for me and the conflicts are breathtaking.
It is a story full of conflicts and twists and turns; a test of character.
This morning as I read these passages again, I just remember everything that happened in my life. Indeed, God purifies our character when we are facing difficulties, trials, unanswered prayers, delayed miracles, criticisms, tragedies, and even mundane days.
Joseph is a young boy who dreamed big, beyond his limitations. When he told his brothers they hated him even more.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, "Hear this dream that I have dreamed. Behold we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it bowed down to my sheaf. His brothers said to him, "Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you undeed to rule over us? So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
Genesis 37: 5-8
When he had another dream his father even rebuked him.
Then he dreamed another dream and told his brothers and said, "Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me." But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his fahter rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?" And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
Genesis 37: 9-11
Joseph dreamed of greatness, yet his brothers were jealous of him thus they put him in a pit and sold him afterward. He became a slave in Egypt, then, he was promoted and became an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. Hence, because he was handsome in form and appearance; his master's wife keep on enticing him but he held firm with his values and fled from temptations. Yet the narrative does not end there because he was accused of a crime by the master's wife who put him in prison for not giving his body. And there are many trials that he faced along the way before he lived in his dreams.
When God gives us incredible dreams we need to go through an intense process like Joseph. He passed each test until he achieved everything. When I was young, I was so surprised by his response to each trial, he didn't hold any grudges, hatred, or complaints. He holds his dreams firmly and obeys God in each trial. When he is young he is faithful in pasturing the flock, when he becomes a slave the master promotes him and becomes the overseer of his house, when he is in prison he interprets the two prisoner's dreams until he interprets Pharaoh's dreams until he is promoted.
Joseph rises to power.
And Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find a man like this in whom is the Spirit of God." Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be grater than you."
Genesis 41: 37-40
He was sold into slavery when he was seventeen years old and he was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Genesis 41:46
What a journey! He was promoted at the right time, the wilderness was his training field so he will be more equipped with greater things. His character was tested and purified. He was faithful in the little things and God appointed him to do greater works for His glory. Those times of testing were not designed to devastate Joseph but to elevate him.
So we must expect that this life is really hard, full of trials, and tests. But God always promises Himself. We will never go alone, hold unto your faith. We might not see it now but our effort is not in vain. God blesses the works of those who trust and obey him.
Life is a test and a trust, and the more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be. He is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. Our life here is a preparation for eternity. Rick Warren
Take heart beloved!
God keeps his promise and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm: at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much and one who is dishones in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 16:10
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under the trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Hello there! I just opened a shop for those journal enthusiasts like me. These printables will help you to become a good steward of your time, money, talents, and skills. It will help you to pursue the Lord and motivate you in your purpose. This helps me a lot and I want to share it with you too. I hope and pray that you support my shop as well. Thank you so much, everyone! God bless your hearts! Favor:))))))
Labyumgasissy!- your journal buddy
VISIT this link: https://journalprintph.etsy.com
