Weekly Word of Wisdom

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!”