Keep the Faith
One of my favourite stories in the Bible is that of Joseph. Not Jesus’ carpenter father, but the one in the book of Genesis, who was sold into Egypt, was wrongfully imprisoned but eventually became a powerful Prime Minister.
This incredible story spans the last 13 chapters in the book of Genesis, and was turned into the hit musical, ‘Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat’ by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber!
When reading it again recently, I was struck by what was going on with Joseph’s father, Jacob (AKA Israel). He had had two incredible encounters with God at the same place, Bethel.
The first was when he was a young man, before he was a father (Ch 28), after running away from his brother. The second was some years later (Ch 35) when he returned with his large family.
God spoke clearly to Jacob about his future on those two occasions. However, when it came to what happened to Joseph, God did not reveal what was going on to Jacob.
His other sons, told him that Joseph had been killed by wild animals. These brothers, who were jealous of Joseph, had sold him into slavery to Egypt. Years later, the truth came out and God said to Jacob…
“I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”
Jacob was overwhelmed when he saw Joseph again, and he died knowing what God had done through him. It is a wonderful story, with a happy ending!
However, it was not always easy for Jacob. He went through deep sadness and pain when he was told (wrongly) that Joseph was dead. He did not know what was really going on.
Remember, God had spoken to Jacob about the future of his family. Jacob had to learn to trust God that He would fulfil them, in His time and way.
In those dark, sad times, I wonder if Jacob recounted what God had said to him? The Bible is clear, Jacob never lost faith in God, even when he went through this difficult situation.
I have known times when God has spoken to me very clearly, and I have also known times when God is silent. It’s in those times of difficulty, sadness and struggle that, like Jacob, I remind myself what God has said.
That helps me to keep going, to keep the faith.
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader