Did you ever have a plant that did not flourish as it should? That plant became all dried up, its leaves were shriveled; there was no sign of growth or life in it, then one day you emptied the pot and saw the root or bulb in the soil was all nice and fresh and there was some activity down there that spoke to you, saying: “I am alright…I was just about to send up new shoots…why throw me out!”
There was life and promise in that plant all along; it was just not yet ready for a new output of shoots and blooms. That plant could have flourished just where it was planted.
Here is a Bible story of one who seemed to be unproductive at times, but was steadfast in God and flourished where he was planted. This is the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. In this Old Testament story we read that Joseph’s brothers hated him because they thought their father loved Joseph more than he loved them.
They hated Joseph even more because he had wonderful dreams that seemed to be saying that at sometime in the future, they would have to be obedient to Joseph and bow to him.
Eventually, Joseph’s brothers decided to kill him and they threw him into a pit to die. Then they decided it was better to sell Joseph into slavery, and this they did. Read the story in Genesis, chapters 37 to 50 and you will see the faith, steadfastness and stability of Joseph.
You will see how Joseph was well rooted and grounded in the things of God and that God was with Joseph, even in the midst of his persecution, false accusation from Potiphar’s wife and imprisonment. Through it all, Joseph maintained stability and honesty in his life and eventually rose to a high position in Egypt; and one day, he was able to say to his brothers:
“But as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Gen. 50:20).
How did Joseph overcome his difficulties?
- Firstly, by being faithful to God through them all. Being faithful to God, Joseph knew his circumstances would eventually change, and he waited to see the glory of God in his life.
- Secondly, by maintaining balance, stability, self-control and discipline as he waited on God.
In turn, God blessed Joseph with spiritual strength and prosperity. Like Joseph, we can maintain stability and flourish where we are planted.
When we keep going through emotional mood swings, up today, moody, sulky and down tomorrow, we miss God’s blessings in our lives. When we keep changing jobs, relationships, marriages, and residences for every whim and fancy, we miss God’s blessings in our lives. Easy shifting from one pattern or goal to another often hinders our progress and is no good for our spiritual growth.
There is a difference between a real necessity for change and easy shifting. When we lack attunement with the Spirit of God and being moved by Him, we become moved by our human, natural instincts, which behave in ways apart from God and His leading. In other words, we maintain an existence merely out of surface consciousness.
Are there continual shifting patterns in your life? Are you seeking comfort and better circumstances here, there and everywhere? Do you lack patience with yourself for your progress in life?
Just where you are, there are treasures of talents, gifts and wonderful opportunities for outstanding performances. Comfort and better circumstances are within you. Talents, gifts and wonderful opportunities are within you.
All that you seek are within you and need to be brought out into manifestation, with God’s help, of course. Seek God and trust Him to move and direct you to their fulfillment as He sees fit, and in His timing.
Whenever you find yourself becoming restless and ready to move to new ventures, take time to attune yourself with the wisdom and good judgment of God within you. Contemplate God as the living presence of wisdom, good judgment and right action in as many ways as you can. You may need to write them down.
Confess these attributes of God as being within you and ask Him by His grace and mercy to release these goods to you, thanking and praising Him in advance. Ask it in Jesus’ name and God will not fail to bless.
This is true spiritual living. And the more you grow spiritually, the more you will achieve peace, poise and inner stability which will manifest in your life.
In Summary: Easy shifting from one thing to another is labelled “instability.” This indicates an underlying rebellion and a lack of trust in God, and is a barrier to God’s blessings in our lives.
Daily Readings: 1 Chronicles 4:10, Job 17:9, Psalm 84:7, Psalm 92:12, Proverbs 4:18, Isaiah 54:2, 1 Timothy 4:15.
Reflections: God is faithful to complete every good work He has begun in me.
Prayer: God’s Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, directing me as I walk steadfastly in His ways. God’s Word quickens me and opens a way for me where there seems to be no way. I thank God for His Word active in my spirit, soul and body.”
May the Lord richly bless you with His peace, love and prosperity.
Dr. Monica Hernandez is a certified Christian counsellor and hosts the radio broadcast The Revealing Word heard on JOY 1250 AM every Sunday morning at 8:30. You can also listen in at www.joyradio.ca
