Sarah Josephine, age 4 months
Yes, she has indeed. :*)
Posted on 12/02/2008 10:46:33 AM PST by WhatNot
Psalms 105:17
And he sent a man before them-Joseph, sold as a slave.
God is doing a unique work around the world today. He is raising up Josephs throughout the world. Some are still in the "pit" stage of their pilgrimage, while others are heading toward fruitfulness. What does it take for a man to become a true Joseph? It takes years of preparation and testing to be a true Joseph. It takes what the psalmist says in Psalm 105:
He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them-Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free (Psalm 105:16-20).
A true Joseph is one who is a provider both spiritually and materially for those in the Body of Christ. It is a person who understands that he is simply a manager of all that God has entrusted to him. It is a person who has humility and a broken and contrite heart before God. But how does God prepare modern-day Josephs?
Modern-day Josephs are prepared through their own versions of bruised feet, with shackles and necks put in irons. It is often through the adversity of failed finances, failed marriages, failed relationships, and broken dreams. These are the things that try men the most. These are the things God uses to allow the Josephs of our day to be proven by the Word of the Lord. Once proven, God brings them out of their prisons and uses them mightily for His purposes. Joseph went through his own trials-not because of any failure, but because of an incredible calling: to save and provide for an entire nation. God had to prepare this man with 13 years of broken dreams and humble circumstances in order to break every ounce of pride and self-will. God could not afford to have a 30-year-old steeped in arrogance and pride running an entire nation.
When I attended a world conference on global evangelization in South Africa, I was privileged to sit among 45 other men from different parts of the world who had a Joseph calling on their lives. These men of means had humility of heart and a spirit unlike any others I have met in my country. Each one had his own Joseph story. It was an incredible scene that changed my life and my own view of business. This allowed me to see firsthand this phenomenon that is going on throughout the world. Many believe God is raising up these servants to prepare for a worldwide economic earthquake and to fund a global harvest of souls. Even since this conference, one nation is being dramatically affected because of a Joseph who has stepped forward to fulfill his calling for that nation. It is an awesome demonstration of God's power working today.
Are you willing to allow God to do whatever it takes for you to become a true Joseph? Ask the Lord today to do whatever is necessary to fully use your gifts and talents for His eternal Kingdom.
Amen! Great Post and reminder of our Calling in this Fallen World...To give GOD’s Glory to every human being on the planet...
It is my understanding that the Hebrew meaning of Joseph is "He shall add." I have taken the meaning of my names very seriously throughout my life. I have heard the call and exercise that calling for the sole purpose of bringing to pass the eternal purposes of God. And yes, I have been tried in the manner of which you speak and continue to be subject to the refiners fire.
Thanks again for the good writing here.
Great Post! God is so graciously preparing us to say as Jesus spoke so well “My meat is to do the will of the one who sent me.” Not my will,but your will. This does take being broken through many trials and frustrations. Thanks for the post, it is very encouraging for us christians to be reminded of the glory that comes from suffering.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, may the Lord richly bless you and yours.
Joseph is also a family name on my mother’s side from waaaaay back! My favorite aunt’s name was Josepha, and we gave my new daughter the middle name of Josephine this last July. :-)
Oh, He has. :*) He has! :*)
Our first grandson was born the month thereafter. His name is Braylon Joseph
Thank you! :-) She keeps up with her twin brother Samuel pretty good, even though he outweighs her by 2.5 lbs! So I think you’re right about not being intimidated, LOL!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.