Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 10, 2016
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:20-21
My stomach was in my throat as I looked down to earth 30 feet away: my mouth was parched, my body sweaty and my heart pounded in fear. Maybe my mid-life crisis was playing out as a 40 something, yet calmly my “seasoned” 20 something rock climbing friend reassured me that everything was ok—I just needed to stay calm and stay focused. It was not just a little intimidating that my daughter and wife had just scampered up the wall ahead of me! So, I resisted glancing at the ground and kept looking up to follow my leader’s reassuring words.
Even still—17 years after being reunited with Joseph, his brothers feared his revenge. So much so, that after their father’s death (afraid Joseph would retaliate) they made up a death bed story saying their dad requested that Joseph forgive his brothers. Fear kept them from believing the truth about why Joseph had forgiven them years ago, and how he understood God’s bigger purpose of saving lives including his own family’s. Sometimes truth needs to be spoken repeatedly with a patient, kind and reassuring tone. Faith can remember facts and tends to forget lies.
“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan” (Romans 8:28, The Voice).
Is there someone in your past or present life who may fear your retaliation, your unforgiveness or your disapproval? Perhaps you go to them and restate what you may have already said: how much you love them, forgive them and desire for your relationship to grow closer in Christ. Your reassuring words can become a key of grace to unlock the prison cell of guilt where fearful souls remain stuck. Humility takes the initiative to clarify conversations and patiently explain the truth.
Most of all, remind yourself and others of God’s greater purpose at work in your lives. What may seem a set back or an unfair circumstance, is the Lord’s way of drawing you deeper in intimacy with Him and preparing your character to handle a more far reaching influence. Your heavenly Father reassures you with His words, “I love you,” “I am always with you.” Keep your eyes and ears open to hear heaven’s reassuring comfort, hope and correction. The words of the Lord are words of life and liberty. Listen to and embrace the truth, but remain deaf to lies.
“However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you” (Deuteronomy 23:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust Your reassuring words, give me the words to reassure others.
Application: Who needs me to clarify my love, forgiveness and acceptance of them?
Related Readings: Hosea 3:1; John 16:27; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Ephesians 1:11, 3:11
Additional resources for how to grow in your faith: Click Here.
Post/Tweet this today: Humility takes the initiative to clarify conversations and patiently explain the truth. #WisdomHunters #reassuringwords
Worship Video: 4 minutes – Talley Trio: His Life For Mine
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