“9 The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his troubles. He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over his whole household. 11 Then a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food. 12 When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors the first time. 13 The second time, Joseph was revealed to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Joseph then invited his father Jacob and all his relatives, 75 people in all, 15 and Jacob went down to Egypt. He and our ancestors died there, 16 were carried back to Shechem, and were placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.”

Acts 7:9-16

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“God was with him, and rescued him out of all his troubles.” 

This is what God does. In our weaknesses, in our plight, in our pain and suffering, He extends His hand of mercy. He comforts our heart. He brings us peace and lifts up our head. Zephaniah says that God is mighty to save, that He sings over us and comforts us with His love.

I don’t know about you…but I need that. I need comforted because life hurts so often, my sins and mistakes wound me deeply and my fears, doubts and worries can seem overwhelming at times. There are days when things seem to press in from all sides, where issues I have no power over seem to loom over my head and press their weight into my shoulders, and I am crushed in my spirit.

On those dark days, it is a comfort to know that the one thing keeping me afloat in the midst of that storm has nothing to do with my own willpower or strength. It is the mighty hand of God upholding my spirit. His love brings me through, and His grace, mercy and love, lift my eyes up from the muck and mire and points them heavenward. He helps me remember that there is life beyond the moment of suffering, that there is joy that outlasts all pain. He reminds me of His good and perfect promises to me, and like the unending rhythm of the waves on the shore, He will never relent. He will never leave me or forsake me.

“He gave him favor & wisdom…”

As God gave Joseph what he needed in his plight, so he provides for me today. I do pray daily for wisdom, He knows I need it. But He also provides the answers and solutions to all my worries, problems, questions and concerns. He provides a faith that cannot be shaken, armor that protects the heart, and a Word that gives me sight. He truly is YHWH Jireh, providing for all my needs and even beyond. 

So, praise God today for His wonderous care! 

Praise the Lord of Hosts for His protection!

Praise God for the goodness of His creation!

Praise God for the provision He made throught Christ in the misdt of our death in sin. 

While we were already dead in our sin, He raised us up, breathed new life into us and animiated our dead bones so that He might be honored, glorified and praised. Our sustaining points glory to Him. Our blessing though provision accentuates His awesome love. The outpouring of love that flows from His people brings joy to His heart, like a Father watching His children put on His shoes and shirt and doing their best to be like their daddy. 

As we GoLove others, we mimic the heart of Christ, the eternal definition of love, care, provision and dedication. If Jesus had the strength to bear what He bore in His body for us on the cross, surely He can help us through our difficult days. Surely we can GoLove others and give them hope in theirs…