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   Reflections

~~~~~~   The most precious gifts in life are the people God places in them.  Be it family or friends, chance acquaintances or life-long buddies,   each has an impact on our lives.  What we do with that impact is our choice.  If we fail to see each person as a precious child of God, we may very well deprive ourselves of great blessings. ~~~~~~

 

One of my favorite examples from the Bible is Joseph.
He was the favored child of his father's. He lost his mother before he ever knew her, and was severely treated by his own brothers. Yet he never allowed his circumstances to blind him to the importance of the people in his life. He didn't go into years and years of counseling because of his dysfunctional family. He didn't seek revenge on the world because he was treated poorly. He didn't run from his responsibilities at home. He didn't blame society for his problems. He didn't make excuses for his behavior - instead, he maintained his integrity.   He didn't give up on God and go his own way - even when he was literally in the pit!  He allowed God to lead him to where he wanted him to be, and when he was there, he continued to serve Him.  Being imprisoned unfairly did not stop his zeal to be faithful - he allowed God to work through him by interpreting dreams of the other prisoners.  Even though he had a been raised a "spoiled child" he did not put himself above the others...but allowed God to use him for their good. Even when he had the greatest opportunity imaginable to pay his brothers back for their ill-treatment of him, he let God lead him.  He saw life through God's eyes and was able to see that all things do truly work together for those who love the Lord. He knew that what man had intended for evil, God intended for good. (You can find the story of Joseph in  Genesis 37-50)

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What would it take for you and I do do the same? Can we look back at an abusive childhood and know that God could use it for good? Can we view our present circumstances as His will for us at the time? Can we open our eyes and see what He has for us to do where we are right now? Can we put aside our resentments and self-pity long enough to praise Him for His goodness? Of course we can.  We have the same choice Joseph had.  But will we make it?  Will we allow the people in our lives shape us through our Father's will, or will we blind ourselves to His will with bitterness, resentment, greed, and self-absorption?

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I know in my life, that God lead me to certain people by allowing me to go through some pretty rough waters.  Yes, I did seek counseling at a point in my life, and let God lead me there.  Through that counselor I  met friends who have ministered to me in ways no one else could have.  These are now my closest friends, and we encourage each other and have been able to minister to others together. Because of learning to view my life events in God's eyes, I can thank Him now for my abusive childhood- and mean it I can also look through those times and remember the good times with no joy lost.  

There will be additions to "Reflections" as the Lord leads. They will all be from examples from the Bible- so bookmark this page and come on back ! Please email me with any comments - I'd love to hear from you!   
 




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