Pathways Press.com

Written by Warren Wiersbe (1929-2019), an American pastor, Bible teacher, speaker, and writer. This is an excerpt from his book “The Defining Verse.”

The disciplines of Joseph’s life, plus his faith in the Lord, transformed him into one of the most beloved characters in the Bible, a man who is very much like Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, Joseph was beloved by his father but hated by his brethren. He was illegally sold, he was falsely accused, and he was condemned and imprisoned. Joseph went from the prison to the throne, from suffering to glory, and he provided bread for the known world. (Joseph merely sustained life; Jesus gives life.) Joseph also gave forgiveness to his brethren and provided a home for them. There is much more, but I’m sure you get the point: it is only as we suffer for and with Jesus that we become more like Him. On the other side of Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29, which says that God’s purpose is that we “be conformed to the likeness of His Son”… In the midst of pain and trouble, it takes faith for us to say, “God intends this for good,” but that’s just what we must do. To say that “everything is against me” when everything is working for me, is to rebel against the loving heart of God. To ask, “What is God doing?” when we know His purpose is to make us more like Jesus, is to make our situation worse.

Prayer:

Written by Peter Hoytema, a contemporary pastor and author.

Lord, sometimes your will seems confusing; guide us to pray like Jesus. Help us to trust you, love you, and obey you. May your will be done in our lives. Amen.