The End from the Beginning

Do you wonder about the end of your life? How would you like to read the last page of your 'life story'?

Joseph is an all time favourite Sunday school character! The dreamer is Father's favourite son and is gifted a coat of many colours (the symbol of position and privilege in his father's eyes). His jealous brothers rip his coat (their eyes grew sore at the colours :-), sell him as a slave and lie to their father that Joseph is dead. Later a trustworthy slave Joseph is falsely accused and thrown in prison. Through a miraculous interpretation of dreams he becomes the prime-minister of Egypt. Joseph sounds like a modern day Rag to Riches, prisoner to prime-minister story!

Though I am deeply pained, I cannot fully fathom the depth of Joseph's heartache - physical and mental separation from all near and dear, far from the father who loved him dearly. Knowing the whole saga of his life from the bible, how I wish I could have encouraged Joseph along life's journey. If I could have, this is what I would have said,

Oh Joseph, dear Joseph

1) Though human hands can snatch away all that your father has provided, no human hands dare seize your heavenly fathers' provision!
2) When you are broken and your pride all stripped away, you can find rest in God. And underneath are the everlasting arms.
3) Your justification may fail before the enemy's accusation.There may not be one to plead your case. Don’t grow weary; your judge is on the throne! Though His judgements may seem to tarry, they are forever sure!
4) Life has stacked its odds against you, but the verdict is not final. Wait till you hear from the Righteous Judge!
5) When foes surround and family and friends desert, God’s eyes follow you to forever. You are never really alone. Immanuel keeps you company in prison pits!
6) In God’s hands, you can safely lay to rest all that you lost and every dream that you dreamt. Be assured they will resurrect beautifully in God's way and in his time.
7) When God has worked in you the fruit of his spirit (his love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control), the Joseph you once were, you will recognize no more! Your character will then glorify God in the very position and privilege he has placed you.

Oh Joseph, how I wish you could have seen the end from the beginning... maybe it would have spurred you on or no, probably the very thought of all that lay ahead would have been traumatic for you !

God in his wisdom does not reveal to us life's hurdles. The Alpha and Omega knows very well the end of our life from its beginning. As Jeremiah says, God knows the plans he has for us, plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.
Oft times we are weary of trials and grow faint, yet God has assured us his strength for every step. Rest confident that the God of Joseph will not fail you!! Your end, in him is secure !