Joseph - A Man of Confidence

Some people seem to know exactly what they will accomplish in life. In Joseph's case, God gave him a vivid set of dreams that cast him in the role of ruler over his father and eleven brothers. The brothers, of course, thought their younger brother was being arrogant, rude, and silly. They were already upset by the fact that their father treated Joseph with special attention. Their jealousy and anger escalated to the point where they considered killing him but decided to sell him into slavery, instead.

Little did the brothers know that they were working out God's plan. Still a teenager, Joseph found himself a slave in Egypt. His integrity, work ethic, and efforts earned him the trust of others. No matter where life landed him, Joseph immediately found a place to make choices that honored God. He practiced his considerable gifts and abilities. Unfairly enslaved, he made an impact in his master's home. Unfairly imprisoned, he made an impact in prison. Given an opportunity, he made decisions which impacted a nation. With God's help he set up a massive preparation for famine, which would save Egypt and her neighbors. Later, his dream came true when his entire family bowed before him, not recognizing him as a brother but appreciating his generosity as the manager of Egypt.

Joseph knew God's hand was on his life. He apparently never wavered in his confidence of that fact. He never let the immediate circumstances determine his view of God's power and ability to shape him into a man who knew how to handle the choices that life gave him.

Your vision of the future may not be as clear as Joseph's. That doesn't mean your confidence in God has to be less than his. The key is to remember that faith doesn't rest on a vision but on God. Your God must be big enough to work out His plans in your life, no matter what the obstacles. Trust in such a God, and He'll guide your choices. Who knows? You may save a nation someday.

Want to know more? Read about Joseph's amazing life that wavered between rags and riches in: Genesis 37-50, Hebrews 11:21, 22.

He Promises to Keep His Promises

I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you (Gen. 28:13-15).

Jacob got off to a bad start in his spiritual life. First, he talked his older brother, Esau, out of the inheritance he was supposed to get as the firstborn. Later, he tricked his father, Isaac, into thinking he was Esau so that he could get the special blessing that Isaac wanted to give Esau.

It didn't look like Jacob had much of a chance to do anything great for God. In fact, we might think his belief in God was kinda flimsy. But God had chosen Jacob. In spite of the deceptive things he'd done, the Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream and said, "I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."

There may be times when God's promises seem really out there - way beyond the realm of possibility - especially when you know you haven't kept up your end of the deal. Even when your faith is a lot stronger than Jacob's was, there may be days when you want to say, "No way. God isn't going to do that - not for me." Don't give in. Instead, listen with all your heart, with every ounce of your faith to hear God say, "I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."

See for yourself at: 2 Sam. 23:5; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Kings 20:9

Rebekah - A Woman of Cooperation

Even today in some cultures, marriages are arranged. Brides and grooms don't get to choose each other. We who see these choices as absolute rights find it hard to imagine a time when arranged marriages were the norm. Rebekah grew up in such a world. She lived in a large household ruled by her father and brother. They had the power to decide her marital fate. But God was also working in the background of her life.

One day when she went to the city well for water she met an old man named Eliezer, a servant of Abraham. Eliezer had just prayed for guidance in finding a suitable wife for Abraham's son Isaac. Rebekah turned out to be the answer to that prayer. Both Rebekah's timing and her attitude fit Eliezer's expectations. She didn't hesitate to be helpful, even before she found he represented a distant relative.

After Eliezer met her family and explained his mission and the events at the well, Rebekah's father and brother realized God was arranging these events. They agreed to release Rebekah for marriage with Isaac. Gifts were presented. Return travel arrangements were made. Then, Rebekah was honored with the final veto, "Will you go with this man?" (Gen. 24:58). Her simple affirmation took God's plan for the world another step. She chose wisely.

Rebekah had a lot to learn. She made some major mistakes as a wife and mother. But her early and beautiful cooperation with God's work in her life was never undone. If we are going to make choices in our tomorrows that cooperate with the difference God wants to make through us, it will hinge on what we do with our nows. What decisions and opportunities are before you now? In what ways are you seeking God's guidance about the choices you have? How ready are you to respond to His direction? Even when He seems to be pointing you down a path that you don't understand, cooperation with God will always be the right way to go.

Want to know more? Read Rebekah's story in: Genesis: 24-27.