THE SHIELD OF FAITH

Hebrews 1:1,” Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

As Pastor Harry dissected the above Scripture this past Sunday, I couldn’t help but think about the ups and downs Joseph went through.  However, through it all, his faith never let him down.  He was sure of his hope and had the conviction that the Lord was with him in both good times and bad. 

Joseph was abandoned by his brothers and sold into slavery (faithful believers exercise control rather than passively resign – when abandoned, he didn’t give up). He was tested when Potiphar bought him, who learned to trust him and gave him huge responsibilities, but then Potiphar’s wife framed Joseph because he was obedient to God by resisting temptation, landing him in prison (faithful believers remain committed to their values when tempted to compromise – Joseph was obedient to God and to his master).

Even while Joseph was in prison, he still was faithful to God, convinced that God was with him even in the tough times, (faithful believers find meaning and purpose in the storm).  Genesis 39:20, “ And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. 23 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.”

Have you experienced God blessing you during tough times?  How do you overcome your doubts and struggles?  Joseph spent 11 years in prison after being framed by Potiphar’s wife.

Never give up!  The Lord is always with you, just as He was with Joseph, both in good and difficult times.