1.17.08

Genesis 41-42; Romans 14

Pharaoh said to Joseph "...no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom."

Now, the wisdom was from God. But what caught my attention is the "in experience." Joseph was kidnapped, a slave and in prison. You certainly wouldn't expect that to be the experienced credentials of a man running for president. Or a man put in charge of a whole country!

But Joseph just didn't sit around, wallowing in pity and complaining about all the evils that had befallen him. As a slave he continued to work hard in obedience and in his giftings - and in prison he did the same!

I think that often we miss that important aspect today when we compare our unjust sufferings to Joseph (which many do as a way of hope and encouragement that God can use bad and make it good). But Joseph just didn't sit on his bum! Don't get me wrong, here. I'm not saying that we're the ones to work and make things better. That's God's job. But our job is to continue in obedience to God and to continue in the work and giftings we are given as God directs our paths.

... and can I just say that Romans has always been one of those hard books to read. But I love reading it in The Message. Maybe sometime this year I'll go back and do a study of Romans - using The Message and another translation to go through it...