08-Aug-2021: Ps. Melvin
When we go through a particular hardship or struggle, what do we experience? What do we feel?
Fear? Anxiety? Why me?
When we encounter difficulties or endure hardships, do we allow God to interpret our situation, or do we interpret it ourselves?
What we interpret from our hardships or trials or how we interpret it, is going to determine the rest of our journey!
Let’s take a look at a particular situation in the life of Joseph –
Genesis 45:1-3
45 Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.
3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence.
4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
The brothers weren’t able to accept the Joseph they saw before them! The last time they saw him was as he was sold as a slave to Egypt.
The test for Joseph was dealing with his past – His brothers. He had to make a choice as a ruler/governor of Egypt. Before him were his brothers – the cause of his struggle for all this life!
Joseph had to go through an inconsolable situation because of his brothers!
How does Joseph interpret his situation?
Genesis 45:5
5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
How can Joseph say – you sold me & then God sent me?
You sold me – This was the event that happened to Joseph
God sent me – This was the interpretation of what happened to Joseph
Joseph interpreted it the right way and the took a decision based on this. This paved a way for Israel to flourish and for God to bring about his purpose through Israel.
It’s not the event that determines the outcome of your life! It’s the interpretation of the event or situation that determines the outcome!
Allow God to interpret your situation!
It is impossible for Joseph to go through repeated trials and receiving only silence from God and not be angry and hateful! But Joseph allowed God to interpret his situations
The great gift the Spirit of God gives is to interpret our situations. Not through our feelings but by the truth!
We need to discern by the Holy Spirit & interpret our situations! Ask God for the power to interpret your situations!
If we do not interpret the situation the right way, you miss an opportunity for God to intervene!