brokenredeemed

This summer has been super busy, and I’m sorry I haven’t kept up with my posts. We started (home)school on August 4th, and things have finally started to slow down, especially since I also broke my left thumb on the 9th. I’ve literally been forced to slow down with my household chores and daily routines, and at first, it really had me in a bad mood. I was so frustrated with being unable to do basic activities and having to ask for help. Ultimately, I had to surrender these feelings to God because being down and frustrated wasn’t going to change my situation. I needed God to change my attitude to one of gratitude in the midst of my circumstances.

We’re in between lifegroups right now since we’ve started school, but I’m still working my way through the book of Genesis. I jot my own notes as I read, and then after each chapter, I’ve been reading the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary and adding any interesting or beneficial notes to my own. Then, I reread the chapter and add notes in the margins of my bible. As I was reading the commentary on Genesis 41, there was a note at the end regarding similarities between Joseph’s story and Daniel’s. The author noted that not only were there similarities between their stories, but also the language used in Daniel’s story mirrored that of Joseph’s. The author states that the reason for this is because Daniel wanted to emphasize that God, in His sovereignty, was with the Israelites during Babylonian captivity just as He was in all the details with Joseph. As soon as I read this, I thought, just as God is with us today; sovereign over all.

Honestly, the world can feel so chaotic, but we serve a God who is not only in control but also walks with us through the chaos; additionally, His presence brings peace (Isaiah 26:3). His plans and timing are perfect, even when, like Joseph, we can’t see how things will work out. Joseph’s story reminds me to make the best of every situation and to give God the glory. Colossians 3:17 tells us that whatever we do or say, we should represent and honor Christ. Joseph was the perfect example of doing his best to the glory of God, regardless of his circumstances. Perhaps I just needed to be reminded of this in my current situation, and maybe I’m not the only one. I guess that’s what God has been teaching me this month!

What has God been revealing to you lately? How are you walking out His truth? What do you need to surrender to Him today?

Keep walking in truth, love, and grace, my friend!