As we continue our Bible Studies in the story of Joseph found in the Book of Genesis chapters 37-50, there is a reoccurring message we continue to see. The message which comes through Joseph’s life is that each of us must “keep the faith”.

  Sounds like a really simple thing to do, doesn’t it? We believe in Christ Jesus as our Savior; We believe God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit; we believe in the resurrection of Jesus; we believe Jesus words when He says, I have overcome the world; we believe when the Scriptures tells us that God will not forsake us; we believe Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 that He will be with us until the end of the world; we believe in the healing power of Jesus; we believe Jesus’ words when he says whatever you shall ask in my name, that the Father will do. We believe in God’s Holy Word, cover to cover, every word of it. So, why do you think we struggle sometimes so deeply that our faith begins to falter.

  I’m not sure myself why any of us or all of us lose hope at times which allows our faith to waver. I’m sure we each have some flimsy answer to this question. Over the years in pastoral ministry I have heard from many, “you don’t understand what I am going through” or “you don’t know what I am up against” or “I don’t think I can take it anymore” or “why is God allowing this to happen to me”, and so so many more. As your Pastor I must admit I have said all these at times in my life.  At times all of us have had enough of the battles of life.

  I believe we all can learn the answer to these questions in Scripture and especially in the story of Joseph. There is one theme which continually shows up about Joseph’s life. Joseph not only had the faith in God, Joseph did something else. Joseph lived his faith. Joseph’s life, his actions, his demeanor, his attitude, and even in his pain and suffering, through all the things in his life one thing stands out----his faith shines. His faith is carrying through each obstacles that comes along. His faith is who he is! Read this piece of his Story from Genesis Chapter 39—“2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hands” (NRSV).

Did you see that word? Look again…and let me help you. 3 “His master saw that the Lord was with him”.  Joseph’s faith was not only his words, they were also his actions. His faith defined who he was. His faith carried him through every circumstance in his life.  People saw God in him. One thing I have learned in my life, if I am praising and thanking Jesus, I can get through anything that this world has to throw at me. Try it sometime, praise Jesus in the storm, praise Jesus in the Doctor’s office, praise Jesus in your family situations. Praise and be thankful that you are not going through these things all alone. Jesus is walking every step with you. And if you praise Him in the difficult and hard times, I promise you that He will never let you down. Our witness to others happens when people see Jesus in us. Not just us talking about him, but allowing Him to live through us!  

  In my own life I strive every day to live by the following words. For me these words are not only when I cross over the other side, these words I want to lift up to God every night when I go to bed. These are daily words we can live by. These words will carry you through every day!!    

2 Timothy 4:7(NRSV)

 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.

Do I win every day, I do not. Do I go through difficult times and circumstances, you bet. Do I fail some days, yes I do.  But folks, I know this, Christ Jesus has walked every step of every day with me and He promises that He always will. I believe that, I live that.

Joseph’s story is an amazing story for all of us. There are so many examples for all of us in handling what life throws at us. Want to know more? No problem!!!!!