Monday, February 3, 2014

A coat of many colors


Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

In the story of Joseph, the coat of many colors was tainted with blood. Jacob was convinced it was the blood of his beloved son. Though much loved by his father Joseph was resented by his brothers. Relationships sink or swim on as little as this. None of them could predict what God could and would do with this act of betrayal. It is a reminder of how important it is to be absolutely certain that God’s plan is greater and more intricately connected to end results than anything we can do. Trust in the Lord. Be strong under fire. Make the most of who you are. God has promised to be with you, even when those around you sell you out, life hands you bitter gall instead of ambrosia, health fails, and troubles bubble. You are stronger than you think, not because of who you are, but because of who God is.
You can never know what tomorrow brings, so instead of fretting because of events over which you have no control, trust in the Lord, he has a plan and only he knows its outcome. Today’s troubles are not always what they seem. Today’s successes are blips on the radar of life. You are part of God’s plan, as are all those around you, even those who unsettle you or try your patience. God is in charge, all the time. Trust in his guidance. Be a Joseph, praising God and living each day in faith. Did he feel life was unjust? He had cause to feel that way. Sold into slavery by his brothers. Falsely accused by a vindictive woman. Joseph trusted against all odds that God had a plan.
We may not be ready for whatever is next in life, but God is. He is prepared to help us – not some of the time, but all of the time. He rescues us in most unusual ways. He provided a ram in the thicket when Abraham was ready to put his son under the knife. He provided a compassionate daughter of a king to rescue Moses when her father would have had him killed. He gave us his son for our salvation.