Encouragement

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THE LORD WAS WITH HIM
By: Pauline Lee
(I can be reached at [email protected]. Unfortunately I do not subscribe to Faithwriter's Private Messaging service)

The bible can often be misinterpreted. But misread? Seldom. I have known the story of Joseph for many years and I have read Genesis chapter 39 on several occasions. Lately I had the opportunity to hear a sermon about Joseph and was directed again to Genesis 39. This time I heard the words "Joseph walked with God and the Lord blessed him". I turned to Genesis 39:2 and the same phrase rung through my ears "Joseph walked with God and the Lord blessed him".

There have been recent "prison" experiences in my life. My business was affected by the economic drought and I had no choice but to discontinue and sought other avenues of income. As a result of the stress, my health stumbled and I became reclusive. The consequences led me to a withdrawal symptom in my marriage. My "Maslow" hierarchy of needs has collapsed and I no longer felt worthy to live. Suicide plunged into mind but my God fearing spirit kept me alive.

So did I accidentally misconceive the verse in the bible? Or did I literally misread Gen 39:2? Nonetheless, those exact words saved my life - "Joseph walked with God and the Lord blessed him". I ensured my days began with activities to please the Lord and kept myself occupied in doing His work. I wanted to be like Joseph, to prosper and be blessed by God. If you have read my earlier article - "REWARD vs REGRET (PART I)" you would understand the transition I undertook from the pit to Potiphar's house. I am in the midst of completing the second part to REWARD vs REGRET.

I saw my relationship with God grew from strength to strength as I took the first step to acknowledge Him once again as Lord over my life. Time was set aside daily in worshipping Him, praying in the Spirit and letting Him speak to me in all my circumstances for this was how I wanted my walk with God to be. When I made a list of names of people I wanted to pray for, I realized the list was always never-ending.

My latest medical report was unbelievably good. Upon viewing the results, my husband could not help but exclaimed "I've never seen such a healthy report in my life"! But I knew that all praise and glory belongs to God. Then I told my husband the good news that my business is reviving and I have just clinched some new opportunities. He was overjoyed and so was I. Above all, my husband and I never skipped a day rejoicing in the Lord.

Today, I decided to review Genesis 39 again. I could no longer find the verse that I thought I read and heard. The only words that I truly saw were "The Lord was with Joseph..." in Gen 39:2, Gen 39:3, Gen 39:21, and Gen 39:23. I knew that if I had seen those words in the past, I might not have taken the WALK.

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