Warrior Truth: “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favour as with a shield.” Psalm 5 v 12
In our Sunday services over the last few lockdown weeks, we’ve spent time looking again at the life of Joseph. His story is shared across several chapters at the end of the book of Genesis. As a young man, favoured and much beloved, he found himself misunderstood, poorly treated and sold as a slave – by his brothers. This was not the last of the struggles he would face. Through every twist and turn in Joseph’s remarkable story, we see him faithfully serve God and those who ruled over him. God used each season of imprisonment to prepare him for his next field of favour. Falsely accused and even hidden away for years on end, Joseph’s character is untarnished and in God’s timing, his voice is heard where it needs to be heard.
What an example Joseph sets for us! While not specifically stated, I am certain that Joseph used his time in captivity well. He did not sit around moping and grumbling, and waiting for it all to be over. He got on with the job at hand and more importantly he drew closer and closer to God. Having reread this well-known story, the absolute strength of his relationship with God stood out for me like never before. It didn’t matter what his situation looked like and what new trial came his way, his confidence was in the Lord and he walked in favour as a result.
Warrior Tool: In another (unrelated) online series I participated in, the speakers spoke about times of struggle, of hiddenness and the idea of there being fields of favour in which our gifts are more readily embraced, nurtured and elevated. It was Joseph’s story that highlighted another important warrior tool – if I chose to wait out my times of struggle and hiddenness in anxiety and grumbling, I would never be ready to step into God’s promises and would never recognise them when they came. So instead, I am choosing to build with what I have, in the grace and favour of and for the glory of God, for His favour is a shield around us, protecting us and preparing us.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, that we can take refuge in you and you promise to spread your protection over us so that no matter what we face, instead of being downcast, we can rejoice and ever sing for joy. Lord, lead us in your righteousness and make your way straight before us. As we seek you in our waiting, Lord meet us so that we might know you more and more deeply. Amen
With God, For His Glory