This is the daily devotion that I received in e-mail today. I thought it was pretty appropriate for my situation. Isn't it amazing how God does this? I know that I am not the only going through difficulty. I hope this brings encouragement to some of you.
Thursday August 14
In the Midst of Painful Trials
Genesis 39:6-20
Joseph's enslavement lasted for 13 years and went from bad to worse. He lost his favored position in Potiphar's household and went to prison when the master's wife told lies about him. His hope for release from jail died when the king's servant forgot his promise (Gen. 40:14, 23). The future looked bleak.
Despite the evidence of circumstances, God was carrying out His plan to bless Joseph and benefit his family. Joseph was His appointed person to rescue them from the coming famine. To accomplish this, he had to learn the Egyptian language and culture, develop leadership abilities, and mature spiritually. The Lord's plan accomplished all of this.
Joseph learned two helpful lessons. First, the Lord is a faithful companion who uses our troubles to prepare us for His work. When the time came, Joseph was fully trained to become second-in-command to Pharaoh--the Egyptian king even testified that God's presence was with Joseph (Gen. 41:38). Second, when the Lord accomplishes His purposes, the difficulty will end. At God's chosen moment, Joseph was freed from jail, rewarded with a high-ranking appointment, and reconciled with his family. Though his boyhood was gone, he was greatly blessed by living in the center of the Father's will.
Adversity can be painful, but the Lord uses it to further His purposes and equip us to carry out His plan. What is He trying to teach you in the midst of your trials? Are you cooperating with Him? Remember, even Jesus suffered in order to fulfill God's redemptive purpose (Matt. 16:21).
Work has been really difficult for me the past two days. My position has drastically changed and I am not happy about it. I have always worked with preschool students, which I honestly believe is my calling, and today that was taken away from me. I am angry and hurt about how all of this came about. (very long story!)
God has really been doing some amazing things in my life lately even in the midst of all of this. I have a peace in my heart that God is in total control of this situation, but it is just hard sometimes understanding why this is happening. Please pray that I can find forgiveness toward the ones that have hurt me and strength to continue to work with those people.
The diaper cake that I made. I have never been real crafty, but I was really impressed with myself for making this. The things I try to make never come out like I envisioned them to, but this really did.
Michelle and her sister, Angela
Michelle's face just tells in all in these pictures. She was so happy!
Sorry for all the pictures. I just couldn't resist. It was an absolutely wonderful day!
I can't wait to meet you, Evan!
