At the end, after we have walked through a difficult time or situation, we often shed tears.  Some are tears of relief, happy that the ordeal has passed.  Some are tears of pain, brought on when we realize what we have been through.  Some are tears of sadness, offering grief for something lost.  And some are tears of joy, grateful for God’s presence, love, and guidance as He walked with us through the event or situation.

Often when we look back we can see God’s hand all over the events that have transpired.  Joseph could look back over his journey from being sold into slavery to his rise to second in command in Egypt and see God at work in his life.  This is what allowed him to offer love, forgiveness, and assistance to the brothers that sold him into slavery.  He could see God’s hand at work and was obedient to where God led him.

Our faith too calls us to be obedient to God.  In times of hardship that may be difficult.  We naturally want to rely on our own abilities and strengths.  Yet it is in these times that God most wants to carry us.  Just like we as parents want to scooop up our child and rescue them when they are struggling or hurting, our heavenly Father desires to do the same.  Through faith and obedience, we can lean into and on our loving Father, for He is also faithful and true.

In Zephaniah 3:17 we read these words of encouragement: “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Scripture reference: Geneis 45: 9-15