Bloom Where You're Planted

Another short lesson from Joseph's life today. The trials in Joseph's life from the time he was seventeen until thirty were unbelievable; sold into slavery, wrongfully accused of raping his master's wife, thrown into prison and hoping he would be released from prison because of interpreting two dreams but the man forgot about him and left him in prison. A nasty thirteen years. No one would ever want to go through that, but especially at that age. Think about what you were doing between the ages of seventeen and thirty. I graduated from high school, moved out on my own, got married, bought a home, had a daughter, had a son, both of children started school and I did a few stupid things during that time also that are not worth mentioning. Over all though, some pretty momentous events take place during those years, but not for Joseph. Every thing that he went through was due to someone else being jealous or deceitful, but Joseph never complained. He kept his hope and faith in God. He lived in a way that was God honoring. Scripture tells us that the Lord was with him in Genesis 39:21. Regardless of his circumstances, he held strong. I can be whiny to God when things go wrong and it is due to my own disobedience. I would really struggle to not complain or get pouty if God let me go through those kinds of trials and someone else caused it.

As I was reading this chapter in my Joseph book, I could not help but think of a saying that my Mom embroidered on an apron for me years ago. Bloom where you're planted. No matter where you are and what your circumstances are, make the best of them. We have all been through trials, I am assuming that we will all go through more trials, but remember Joseph. Keep strong. Trust in the Lord. There is a reason He has us go through the situations He allows us to go through. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28 nlt

Bloom where you're planted.