In Touch 4-5-05

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Tuesday April 5, 2005
Walking With God Through the Dark Times

Genesis 39:1-23

Through the life of Joseph, we can learn important principles about challenging times.

Difficulties will continue until God accomplishes His purpose. In Joseph's case, God' plan was to prepare him to rescue his family and the nation of Egypt from famine. In order to ready him for a position of great authority and responsibility, God placed Joseph in an important Egyptian household as a slave. Here, in hard circumstances, Joseph could learn the key lessons needed for the future. Not only did he acquire important skills but his faith and relationship with God were strengthened. God operates the same way today—He equips us to accomplish the work He has planned for us. (Ephesians 2:10)

We learn more in the dark than we do in the light. Besides discovering God's faithfulness, Joseph learned how to discern God's presence, to say no to temptation, and to handle high and low positions. The principles and truths we read in Scripture are not really ours until they get tested and tried.

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light. Joseph openly shared his faith and knowledge from God when he interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams. (Genesis 41:15-16) He did not let imprisonment stop him from helping others. (Genesis 40:1-23) What we learn in our trials is to be offered to those who are suffering.

None of us look for hard times, but they seem to find us regularly. Instead of fearing them, we can trust God and embrace His plan. God will use trials for His glory and our gain. (Job 23:10) We can count on it.

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