Well a week ago, I was trying to sneak in a quick post to indicate that I would be offline for a while, because I was running a 9 AM to 3:30 PM musical theater camp.  Needless to say, I never completed the post, but I did get a few good comments on it and quite a few likes.

We’re also in the process of selling our house, which means “perfection” for showings 24/7.  Add to that the possibility of adding a new roof, a building inspector that found a million things wrong, two hot offers immediately after listing, no internet, having to get new phone service, internet service and direct television service and did I mention internet.  I’m truly amazed at how much I’ve grown dependent on this tool of the devil.

Fortunately, I had the distraction of working with 13 delightful children for most of last week, while my husband bore the brunt of all these other issues.

In the midst of this, I read Chuck Swindoll’s biography of Joseph from the Old Testament just to fill the void of not blogging.  What a lovely book.  If you have the opportunity, take time to read it.  God used Joseph, the favored son of his father and turned this young shepherd into the prime minister of Egypt – pharaoh’s number one guy.  In spite of the suffering he went through in his young life, God found a way to turn the betrayal of his brothers, the false accusations hurled by a seductive married woman and time in prison – He used all of this to better Joseph’s life.

The ugliness of a brutal world surrounded him, but because Joseph remained faithful to the God of his father, his misfortunes turned into wealth and power beyond his comprehension, but he never once took credit for any of it.  He only honored God.

When we go through difficulties in this life, when we run into roadblocks on a daily basis, when we think there is no end to pain or heartache, we often come to the end of the rope.  We wonder why all this calamity is coming our way.  We sometimes give up.

Joseph may have flaunted his status with his brothers, along with his colorful robe and even though his dreams made them seethe, but God used this scalawag to bring the people of Israel to the land of Goshen, where they’d thrive for many years.

God works in us in the same way. He pushes us around sometimes like a lump of clay, or tosses us into the fire to refine us, but we must remember this – if we place our trust in Him and His holy will – He can do amazing things for us.

I know he’s planning great things for us, but even so, I wilt into fear – give way to doubt and angst – I think I’m trusting and letting go, but then I begin to worry or fret once more.

Dear, Holy Father, there are those with much greater problems than mine.  Many of my friends are suffering with difficult illnesses, family breakdowns, broken marriages, loss of faith, mental and even physical abuse.  Sin has caused all of this to occur, but you sent your Son to take away our sin, so we can rest assured that you’ll be with us through all of it and you are preparing a mansion for us in heaven.  Only you can make something good out of something hopeless.  Help me to reaffirm that thought in my heart and mind.  Amen!

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