A New Attitude
Posted by joyce4japan on January 28, 2007
As you know, I have been reading through the Bible. I have reached Genesis chapters 37-45, the story of Joseph. As I read these familiar accounts I am reminded of all that Joseph had to be bitter about. He was the son of a wealthy, free man, and sold by his own brothers as a slave. He was unjustly thrown into prison, then, when his opportunity to get out presented itself, he was abandoned there for two more years.
Does Joseph give up on God? Do we see him blame God? No! Joseph is able to always keep before him the sovereignty of God. He faithfully serves in every situation he finds himself. We see no account of him saying, “I don’t belong here.” Or, “I’m not really gifted to serve here.” Or, my personal favorite, “I deserve better than this, God.” What we do see, is that Joseph remained faithful in whatever his task, to the point of God’s blessing, not just him but all those who came into contact with him – Potipher’s household (Gen. 39:5), the prison gaurd (Gen. 39:40), and finally all of Egypt prospered in the famine because of Joseph.
I want to be a Joseph. So often I find myself being the exact opposite of Joseph, on the verge of bitterness because my life isn’t playing out the way I intended. I shared my frustrations in our missionary ladies small group, asking for prayer. Later that evening, a friend suggested I visit her friend’s blog. This friend had begun a list of 1,000 things for which to give thanks. I thought that would be a great way to begin changing my habits and my focus.
Ten days ago I began my list. I am on #25. I realize that an average of 20 per week will require a whole year’s worth of this practice. However, if 2007 is the year to change my thought patterns and become a Joseph – I think it is worth it!
You will notice I have added a new side-bar. This is a list of each week’s top ten thanksgivings. Please hold me accountable. If the list remains for more than a week, feel free to remind me of my need to seek out the wonderful blessings of God! Since it is my first week, I will add a few bonus photo thanksgivings: My children, their friendships, and smiling faces.
