Three powerful truths

June Hunt concludes Chapter 6 of How to Forgive by discussing three powerful truths Joseph knew that enabled him to entrust himself to God and master his thoughts.

1.  Joseph knew God is sovereign.  Ms. Hunt states Joseph accepted the fact that his life belonged to God.  Therefore, nothing could happen to him apart from God’s will.  June points out that when we truly believe this, there can be no real injustice:

“When we fully accept that God is sovereign, then no matter where we are or what happens to us along the way, we will have an attitude of forgiveness toward those who cause us pain.  We will see them as instruments in God’s hand to achieve His purposes.”

2.  Joseph knew that within God’s will, suffering has a purpose.  Joseph told his brothers that it was God who sent him to Egypt, not them.  If we believe “all things work together for good,.” we will have a forgiving attitude because we won’t see our suffering as pointless.

3.  Joseph knew that God delights in turning evil into good.  Joseph told his brothers that “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20).”

Ms. Hunt emphasizes that belief undoubtedly sustained Joseph through his many excruciating years of injustice.  In the midst of pain, often you can see only the evil, not the good.  Yet, God is intervening in your life even though you perceive no evidence of His activity.

Today’s question: Which of these three powerful truths have been most difficult for you to accept?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Master of your mind”

Three powerful truths

God"s anointing

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!"”- Abraham Kuyper, Dutch theologian

Referencing the all-encompassing anointing John speaks of in his first epistle (1 John 2:27), Mark Batterson states that “it doesn’t matter what you do, God wants to anoint you to do it.”  And this anointing isn’t just for ordained clergy, it’s for everyone.  As Mark explains, the anointing is the it factor in any endeavor.

Pastor Batterson emphasizes that we simply need to ask for God’s anointing to receive it.  He adds these words of advice:

“And you can’t just seek the anointing.  You have to seek God.  Get into God’s Word and God’s presence.  The closer you get to God, the closer you’ll get to His anointing.”

Mark observes that Jesus used the most basic building block in nature as the raw material for His first miracle, a profound reminder for us that Jesus needs little or nothing to work with.  Anything is possible with God.  We need that object lesson because we tend to grossly underestimate God.  He is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  Mark concludes:

“He [Jesus] is the catalyst for any and every transformation, whether it’s turning water into wine or sinners into saints.”

Today’s question: Do you currently feel God’s anointing in your life?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “One nudge”

 

God"s anointing