Nougat 11

Hi

Sometimes it seems like God has all but forgotten us. The promises we received turned to dust; and instead of moving ‘up’ we find ourselves at rock bottom. Hold strain and take a munch on today’s Holy Nougat

“But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” Genesis‬ ‭39:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Joseph shared the vision God gave to him of being in a position of ultimate authority over his entire family; but no one seems to have gotten word about the trials he’d face prior. First the pit, that some say were filled with snakes and other sure dangers. Then, when it seemed like peace and safety – Prison.

Some considerable time had passed since Joseph had the vision. So one would be forgiven for thinking that Joseph was either a charlatan (false prophet) or mistaken, or extremely ambitious. But my dear, Joseph KNEW what he had seen. His conviction was not unfounded. For, while the average person saw punishment in Joseph’s imprisonment; God transformed it into a blessing.

For it was IN prison that God’s special favour, God’s mark of anointing for the future began to unfold. Life with Potiphar was good; but would not propel him to where his vision had indicated. He had been in leadership under Potiphar, but he had reached as far as Potiphar could take him.

And right there where it should have been the place of his deepest shame; Joseph found favor. You see my dears, as the old saying goes, our disappointment is for God’s appointment! When we walk according to God’s purpose, even the valley and the prison are places of favor and blessing. For God can grant us favour in seemingly hostile spaces.

Has God given you a vision that seems to have been transformed into dust? Have the carefully crafted plans for our lives been overturned bit by bit until it seems we can’t get any lower? Have we maintained our relationship with God despite the setbacks? Perhaps it is that God is realigning you for fresh favour and blessings.

I urge us to use the pit and prison times as our seasons of praise; regardless of how dire. For who knows, God may be priming and preparing us for our ultimate promotion.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .