When we face difficulties and setbacks we tend to be plagued by tunnel vision. We see things with a myopic view rather than taking a step back and seeing the big picture. The problem is that we seek to satisfy our desires and fulfill our inclinations without taking a look at the Biblical or Heavenly perspective. Joseph’s trials and setbacks could very well be construed in a negative light. But in the end, the positives outweighed the negatives. God was glorified and his servant Joseph blessed and honored. It is why we are to be thankful for all things; the positive as well as the negatives. I often think of men like Stephen who suffered as the first martyr of the church in Jerusalem. We see it as tragic, but in the end, Stephen left for Heaven and was instrumental in bringing Paul to Christ. The world saw Jesus beaten, rejected and crucified and says, “What a tragic end.” But we see a risen Lord, who suffered for the forgiveness of the sins of the world, and in whom all who believe are redeemed and justified. Because of His suffering we who believe are unblameable and unreprovable in His sight. The tragedy isn't in the cross, but in those who reject God’s provision for sin in Christ. It’s about perspective. Where earth might see a tragedy, Heaven sees a victory and a blessing. What is needed is the understanding to seek God’s wisdom to understand what we deal with on earth from His perspective.
VERSES OF THE WEEK:
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet
we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But
he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for
our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
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