Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Annunciation to Joseph 

 Genesis 37: 5-11

 Genesis 37:9 - "Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 

It was no secret that Joseph was the favorite of his father Jacob. Over time his brothers grew to resent him over the love he was shown, and it didn’t help their relationship when Joseph revealed his dreams to the brothers. All the animosity eventually boiled over the set-in-motion events that caused Joseph to be sold into slavery and finally hold one of the most powerful positions in Egypt.

When we look back at Joseph’s life it's easy for us to see the plan God had in store for him. Joseph went through many trials that showed his unwavering faith in God, and though at many moments it seemed like the end, he still persisted. When we read the stories, it only takes a little time to read through Joseph’s life and it downplays the magnitude of what Joseph had experienced. If we put ourselves in Joseph’s shoes, would we have been able to make the same choices and endure for that many years before we saw the light at the end of the tunnel. To be granted a vision at the age of 17 of being worshipped to then being sold into slavery and thrown in prison is unimaginable. Joseph at the time did not know what God had in store for him but he kept the faith. Similarly in our lives, God has a vision and plan for us, sometimes path to the end result is not what we had envisioned, but there is a purpose. What that purpose is, is dependent on your journey with God and what He wants you to experience and see. It is easy to read about another’s journey but it’s difficult when experienced. The purpose of these recorded journeys, like Joseph’s, is to show us that God’s plan is always for the betterment of us and those around us. We may not see it at the time but we can have faith God always knows what is best for us and will not give us anything we can’t handle.      

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the blessings you have showered upon us throughout our lives. Whatever we may be going through helps us to understand you are guiding our steps. Comfort us in our time of need and help us to grow closer to you, so that through our journey we may share your love and mercy to others. Amen

Thought of the Day
“The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.” -Bernadette Devlin

Bently Joseph
St. John’s MTC, NY

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