“The Lord was with Joseph, making everything run smoothly and successfully.” Genesis 39:23 NLT
Wow! Joseph was close to God and God blessed his work. So, all I need to do is to be close to God and my life will be successful, too? hmm . . . Well, that was my first thought when I read this scripture verse. But wait, God was with others in the Bible and they suffered tremendously. Daniel was thrown to the lions and his friends tossed into a furnace. David spent years running away from attacks by King Saul. Peter and John were thrown into jail and frequently beaten. And yet, God was with these men.
The Apostle Paul details his suffering while serving God in 2 Cor 11:23-29 and 6:3-10: more jail time, more whipping, five times thirty-nine lashes, three times beaten with rods, once stoned, three times ship-wrecked; adrift at sea, traveled far, faced danger from natural disasters and unsympathetic people; hungry, thirsty, and cold.
Now, what I am to think? Paul shares his perspective:
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take [my pain] away. Each time He said, ‘My gracious favour is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. . . . It is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and [sufferings].” 2 Cor 12:8-10
OK Lord, whether you give me smooth waters to sail or rocky cliffs to climb, I will rejoice because you are with me and working all events to your good purposes.
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