Most of you are probably not old enough to know of a show called “What’s My Line?” I don’t even think it is on TVLand. 🙂 The basic premise of the show was a panel consisting of four celebrities given the task of trying to figure out the occupation of a guest. Different guests would come on the show and the celebrities would ask questions in an effort to figure out his/her specialty. A wrong guess eliminated them. The goal, of course, was to be “still standing” with all the celebrities “down.” Just for the curious: no, I did not watch it. That was before my time. 🙂 *cough* 🙂
I think one of the most interesting characters in all of the Bible is the OT character, Joseph. Can you imagine him being on “What’s My Line?” I mean, look at all the events of his life:
I was my father’s favorite.
I was hated by my brothers.
I was sold into slavery.
I was bought by Potiphar and put in charge of his household.
I was accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison.
I was an interpreter of dreams and then left to languish in the prison when the cupbearer forgot I existed.
I was summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and then with my solution fresh in his mind, I was promoted to 2nd in command.
I was able to allow the Pharaoh to survive and prosper during the 7 years of famine.
I was able to recognize my brothers and “work” it so they would return.
I was overcome by emotions and finally revealed myself to my brothers.
I was able to see my father again by bringing his people to Goshen.
I was able to have my bones carried back to the Promised Land.
Whew! That is some pedigree! But not only that, it makes a powerful story about God’s sovereignty. One of the most magnificent verses in all of Scripture is found in Genesis 50: 19-20. Following the death of Jacob, the brothers were afraid Joseph would renege on his promise to their father, and pay them back for what they had done to him. But Joseph was so cool! His words ring loud and clear to us, even today: “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to being it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Joseph being sold into slavery began the chain of events that brought about the people of Israel being brought to Egypt and the eventual Exodus. That lesson holds true today: nothing happens outside His view, nor by accident, not by luck, not by chance.
Have you seen God do that in your life at any time, or even recently? I would love to hear your story. Perhaps you would choose to pray for us. I would appreciate that! Several things are happening that are exciting. I will share one of them with you on Monday. Thanks ahead of time for your prayers. Thanks to Dan for the banner.
Hi Bill,
I’m filing my Trial Books into the Court today. I will comment later because I need to go to Staples to do some copying first.
Prayer said for you Linda.
thank you Bill,
the Trial books are filed into the Court.
I’ve been experiencing burnout the past few months I think. It was a struggle to keep going and to get anything done especially work on the legal case. I had an emotional rollercoaster experience the past few weeks as well. My life has been intense since January.
I will be praying for OVCF. Talk to you later.
Take some time off Linda. Get away if you can. Don’t think about the case I know…easier said than done. My prayers are still with you. And thanks for your prayers.
thank you Bill.
I’m working the next four weeks to the Trial date and then I’m going to take a couple of weeks off. I’m going to take multiple years off!! 🙂 I don’t want to see a court again for a long, long, long, time.
Sounds like you deserve it.
I too love Joseph and his proof that we are continue to just do good regardless of our circumstances. God continued to be with Him and prove that all things work our for His good. My addictions were what brought me to know God in a real and personal way and I can rest in knowing that whatever happens it will be to His good. Thanks Bill and yes I am praying for you now.
That is exactly the idea I hope to bring out this week Tom. By showing all he went through and yet God was in it. Thanks for the comment and prayers.
Joseph’s story has always been so encouraging to me. God truly did have far reaching plans…ones that extended to way beyond Joseph’s lifetime. Sometimes I forget that it’s not all about me. 🙂
You are so right Melissa about the far-reaching plans. What a story! Thanks for coming by.
Bill,
Totally believe that my entire journey is a reflection of God’s sovereignty. Having some really terrible things happen to me really did break me. But, God was able to take all of that mess, and turn into something beautiful.
He specializes in that Jon-taking the ugly and making it beautiful. Even the Scripture says that: “he makes all things beautiful in His time.” Thanks for the comment.
God’s been doing that a lot lately. 🙂
Oh, I don’t remember that show. Um…no. Don’t remember that at all. 😉
Yeah, I know, but ain’t it cool? And for that last remark?? Hmmmm I’m thinking. Reckon I will just say thanks. 😛
I love Joseph’s story. It’s amazing that God used his horrific life events to preserve his family who would have perished in the land during the famine. It’s hard to understand that God still does that today. He orchestrates each life move perfectly so that at the end we can say, “oh, that’s how He meant good from my life”
God is good Bill. He is showing me Grace… yet again and helping see things through His eyes, which is not always easy.
You hit the nail on the head Moe. God is good and to see things through His perspective changes everything. Good to hear He is showing you His grace. Been praying for your mom and brother. Thanks for coming by.
Josephs life and what he went through was amazing. I think it shows us that mo matter what we go through that if We focus/trust in God then everything will work out. Great post.
That verse in chapter 50 confirms that to me Dan. pretty straight-forward. Thanks.
I don’t know if this has any thing to do with “What’s My Line” with such inmpact as the story of Joseph but I will try. Mostly it is a testimonial.
Many years ago when I turned to Christ for salvation, I was child like in my faith ( and still am in some respects) and felt an urge to become a minister.
No matter how many times I expressed this idea, the doors or opportunities seemed to be non existent so I resigned my self to remain in the bisiness management fields.
Praying to God about this revealed no answers so I figured I was not worthy of such an honor. Little did I know at the time, I certainly was not ready to undertake such a task nor was I mature enough to have such a responsibility.
What I did learn later was God had his own plans for my service to Him. My so called burning desire to be a minister was only my own desires concocted in my own mind. Not His.
So over the years I wandered in the desert not sure where my place in life was to be as far as service to Him. Being older and some what wiser, my true purpose has been revealed to me by God.
He placed me as a greeter at one of the doors to the body of Christ. I am led to those that are lost and seeking salvation out side of the church. I am led to comfort and minister to others. I am led to walk with Christ in serving others less fortunate. I am led to witness to others with love in Jesus’ name.
That is one fantastic testimony Larry! Great to see that you can look back and now see God’s plan and hand. What i also see is perfect testimony that one doesn’t have to wear the title “Pastor” or “minister” to be one. It is for all people to be ministers. Thanks for sharing it.
BTW. I am also praying for the news on your happenings in your church.
Take care.
Thanks. 🙂