LivingFree - Oct. 20, 2010
Falsely Accused
Today's Scripture
"But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man." Genesis 39:2 AMP
Thoughts for Today
Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Joseph had choices. He could become bitter and fantasize about revenge. He could resent Potiphar and be angry with God for allowing this to happen. He could hate his brothers. He could drown in self-pity. Or he could trust God and make the best of the situation.
Joseph chose to focus on God. He became the best slave he could be. As a result, he became successful and prosperous. Potiphar put him in charge of his entire estate.
Later Joseph experienced another setback when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of sexual advances. Potiphar believed his wife's lies and threw Joseph into the prison where the king's prisoners were held.
Again, Joseph had a choice. Instead of shaking his fist at God and wailing, "Why me?" he kept a good attitude. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of the entire prison.
Consider this …
Joseph's problems seemed to have no end, but Genesis 39:21 tells us this: "But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden" (NLT).
We can learn much from Joseph. Remaining a victim is not the answer. To be serious about our healing, we must not become bitter toward others, blaming them for our problems. When we refuse to feel sorry for ourselves or be bitter about the past--or our current problems--we open the door to receiving comfort and healing from Jesus. We may go through tough times, but we can count on Jesus to help us through them and even to bring good from them.
Father, I know I still carry bitterness toward the ones who have hurt me. I blame them for my problems--and sometimes blame myself and even You. Please forgive me. Help me to stop having a victim attitude. Help me to forgive. And help me to move on with you. Thank you for being with me and never giving up on me. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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