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Dec
06
While You Are There Trust God

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Recently, I read Luke 23:50-56.


“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment."

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It was a reminder for me to trust God’s plan and do not lose hope while I am in a season of hardship, disappointment, or pain. Let’s just call those situations our "tombs." Some use the word tomb in similes and metaphors to refer to a place or situation that is extremely cold, quiet, or dark, or that forms a confining enclosure.


As I was reading the scripture, there were three key takeaways for me that I wanted to share with you.


1. You have a “Joseph” that will do what God has directed him or her to do. Think about it, who is your Joseph?
2. The situation you are in may be new, or this time there is new information that makes your situation different than before, but it is not too much for God to fix.
3. God will get you through it. Keep your faith, trust His plan, and give Him the glory.

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After they had crucified Jesus, scripture states Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Then, He took it down, wrapped his body in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb. There are so many times that Jesus put a "Joseph" or several of them in my life during tough times. They could not change my situation or did nothing to cause it, but they were obedient to do what God asked them to do. They feed me; they prayed for me, and they cared enough for me to treat me with dignity and love. Guess what? Your “Joseph” may not be someone that you have known for years; God can place you on a strangers mind, and they will do what He instructs them to do because they want to be obedient to Him. I cannot tell you the number of times it has happened to me. You have them too. Watch, look and listen for them. They are sent to help you during your journey.

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We have to remember that life is a journey; so we will encounter many different situations. Some will be new, and some will seem new because it looks like a trial that we have faced before but there are new facts to consider now. For example, I had a situation where I had to make an important decision about my future. In the past, I have been faced with the same decision, but this time I was married and had to discuss the situation with my husband and consider his counsel. If you are in a situation where the challenge is new, or you are not sure what to do, remember that God understands. It is not new to him. In fact, just like Jesus, He knew Jesus would be buried in a new tomb, He knows your current situation, and He is still with you. I know it looks like there is no hope. I am going to assume those that believed in Jesus and followed him felt abandoned, hopeless, and confused during the crucifixion of Jesus. However, the Lord was still with them.


I mention that God is with you, keep the faith, and give Him glory because He is faithful to see you through. Scripture tells us the following:


“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)


“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)


“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)


“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 (NIV)

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As we journey through life, the reality is we will all face challenges, have days that we cry out in confusion, and may even feel hopeless. I pray during those times, we remember that God will place a “Joseph” in our path to help along the way, God can fix what looks unfixable, keep the faith and remember all things are working for our good.

If you know someone who is struggling today, share this message or call and remind them of the power of God!


XOXO,
Erika Greene-Smith

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Take a second and check out the new apparel.

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Great gift for the holiday!