In Genesis, chapter 37, Joseph was living the good life as the favored son until he was suddenly uprooted from his home and sent to a foreign land. He went from the favored son to a slave. Just as Joseph had successfully settled into his new life, he was uprooted again and thrown into prison! Throughout Joseph’s story, the Bible is silent about what Joseph thought about his situation. I’m sure that Joseph missed his family and longed to go home to be reunited with his family.
When Joseph was eventually reunited with his family (Genesis, chapter 45), he realized that God had orchestrated the events of his life to reunite him with his family and help them all prosper. All the time Joseph felt that his circumstances were getting him farther from his family home, God was actually using his circumstances to bring his family to him. Joseph never “went home.” His family came to live with him in Egypt.
The story reminds me about times God has sent me into uncomfortable circumstances in unfamiliar places so I would rely on Him, not family and friends, for help. We would love to move back “home” someday. However, the Bible says, in Proverbs 16:9, that I can make plans for my life, but God will direct my path. That gives me comfort to know that I don’t have to rush into the next chapter of my life. God is whispering in my ear, “Relax, I’ve got this!”
Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much that you direct each step of my life. Thank you for using every step to strengthen me and prepare me for the next one.
Have you found yourself in a “foreign land?” Are you working hard to fulfill your current mission? Or, are you still trying to find a way back to the comforts of home? What are you doing to prepare for the next chapter of your life? Share your thoughts in the comment area.
Comments
I needed that. Thank you!