January always brings both pleasant and unpleasant surprises. The new year becomes turning over a new leaf. The problem with a new leaf in the cold winter is that new leaves don’t grow in the winter. They fall off the branches before winter and the trees look naked.
Where I live, near a pond located on a small hill, we get to see the pond in the winter, because the trees are bare. The sun sets can be stunning now that we can see without the leaves.
Vision, dreams, and goals can mark the new year. However, when obstacles come it can delay the process of moving forward in life or your career. An unexpected health crisis occurs. Obstacles are not always to be looked at in a negative light. We can be easily tempted to blame the devil or someone else, but the Lord has allowed these obstacles for a reason. Even if the enemy intends it for evil!
Joseph in the book of Genesis faced many obstacles as he was innocently thrown into prison. Some of the hardships Joseph faced were his own brothers were harsh with him and threw him into a pit to die, Potiphars wife tried to seduce him, only to be accused of rape. The greatest obstacle was Joseph serving in prison for a crime he did not commit. Read the whole story in Genesis chapters 37-50.
Genesis 39:21 NLT
“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”.
It was during this time God was preparing and raising up Joseph through these trials and tests and granting him favor due to his character and integrity.
“Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.” Genesis 39:22-23
King Pharoah was disturbed by two dreams in Genesis 41. Nobody could interpret the dreams, and they called on Joseph who was sent to Pharoah. Talk about being put on the spot! Joseph did interpret the dreams that bothered the king. He was used by the Holy Spirit and God’s guidance. One dream was about seven years of prosperity throughout the land. The other dream was about seven years of severe famine. The years of prosperity were enough to feed the land during the even years of famine. Talk about forecasting the future! This is how the Lord operates in His kingdom economy. He is able to turn it around even when the obstacles look overwhelming!
Pharoah made Joseph ruler over all of Egypt.
“Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. [40] You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.” [41] Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:37-41 NLT
Even King Pharoah recognized the Spirit of God in Joseph! The Lord gives favorcto those who walk in obedience even when the calling and path takes us in a different direction. Was Joseph being put through many tests? Absolutely. Joseph learned to trust God to turn it around not only for him, but for the nation. He did not compromise his faith and give in, nor make any excuses. He trusted God through it all.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Even when life is unpleasant and the obstacles and trials, tests that you are facing. Remember my friend God will turn it around for you
Trust God and His Word. He will not fail you in Jesus’ name.
Share this:
Discover more from A One Eighty
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.