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Words of Wisdom
April Showers...May Flowers
Genesis 50 :14-29 (NLT)
14 After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father’s burial. 15 But now
that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did
to him,” they said.
16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the
great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our
sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before
Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said.
19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for
good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and
your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.
Many of us have heard the saying, “April Showers bring May flowers!” During the month
I just want to encourage you to bloom! To many Christians are running around in a state
of Emotional Damage! We have been hurt by so many people that we don't know how to
trust anyone. As in the case of Joseph; jealousy has caused our brothers, sister, friends
and family to treat you beneath your worth. Joseph being a dreamer was sold into
slavery. Joseph because of his integrity was thrown into jail. Joseph because of his
heritage, through the love of God never complained and learned how to forgive his
persecutors.
Who has done you wrong? Who has caused you to cry? Was it a family member, an ex
boyfriend or girlfriend, maybe a fellow church member? Whoever it was don't let your
tears be the end of the story. God promised to exchange your crying for happiness,
your “April Showers for May flowers!” Know that God uses these adverse situations to
make us stronger!
There are three steps that we all can take to make this spiritual exchange
1) FORGIVE those who acted against us
2) FORGIVE ourselves (Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus Romans 8:1)
3) Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the purpose behind what you went through!
This month be productive. Stop crying and start growing! Forgive and Move on! There
is so much to do! Just like Joseph I invite you to say “You intended to harm me, but God
intended it all for good! He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many
people!”
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