A Thought From the Word

"And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him." Acts 7:9

The one speaking these words was Stephen in his bold sermon before His Jewish opposers. He was recounting the history of God's people, including the story of Joseph.

Such a sad, heart-breaking story is that of Joseph. Sold into slavery…by his own family! Living in Egypt he was falsely accused, put in prison, forgotten, alone in a strange land. However, that is not all the story. Stephen tells us correctly: but God was with him! What beautiful understatement this is, God was with him! That is how Joseph could endure faithfully such hardships.

This is also true in our lives today. We will endure hard times, pain, disappointment, tough days and seasons, etc. Sometimes, just the routine challenges of every-day life seem too much. But, the answer for us is the same it was for Joseph: the presence of God. What better blessing can there be for us than for God to be with us, through His felt-presence, His word, prayer, His promises, His comfort.

Seek God. He is not an elusive, catch-me-if-you-can type. His promise is that if we draw nigh to Him, He will draw nigh to us (James 4:8).