Do you ever feel like your days are filled with one
messy relationship and situation after another?
During “messy” seasons, it’s easy for me to label my circumstances and myself as “a mess” and then wonder how God could ever use me, or my experiences, for good.
To protect my heart from discouragement, I often ask God to remind me of times when He has worked in ways I couldn’t have imagined, in my life and the lives of others. Recently He reminded me of Joseph’s story (Genesis 37-50). It reads like a series of very unfortunate events!
Imagine being beaten and thrown into a pit, sold as a slave and then relocated to a foreign country where you are falsely accused of a crime you didn’t commit and banished to die in prison. And to make matters worse, what if your siblings had initiated this evil against you?
That’s only the beginning of what happened to Joseph.
Looking behind the scenes of stories like his helps me see how God specializes in using messes to transform people into masterpieces of His grace. That’s exactly what He did here:
“[Joseph’s brothers] saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him … they stripped him of his robe … and they threw him into a pit” (Genesis 37:18, 23b–24, ESV).
Joseph was then taken to Egypt where he was sold as a slave to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Could things get worse? They did when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, and despite Joseph resisting her advances, she accused him of attempting to rape her:
” … she called to the men of her household and said to them, ‘See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. And as soon as he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me and fled and got out of the house.’”
“As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him … his anger was kindled. And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison …” (Genesis 39:14-15, 19-20a).
In Potiphar’s house, Joseph learned servant leadership and integrity; in prison, Joseph learned forgiveness, wisdom and patience. He had been wronged multiple times, yet he experienced God’s guidance through the darkness that helped Joseph get out of prison:
“And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. … And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed” (Genesis 39:22-23, ESV).
In a messy pit, the house of Potiphar and a cold dark prison, God prepared Joseph for the amazing future and role he would play in rescuing God’s people and eventually bringing his family back together.
Through it all, Joseph stayed close to God and allowed his difficult circumstances to make him more dependent on the Lord. And in turn, God molded Joseph’s character into a great and godly leader — who was humble, loving, forgiving, patient and wise.
Friend, if you are feeling like you’re in a pit right now just like Joseph was, I want to encourage you: don’t despise the mess you’re in. As you surrender to Him and seek Him with all your heart, God will do behind-the-scenes work ~ as He prepares to unleash His limitless power in and through you!
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are always with me, just like You were with Joseph. When I face hard circumstances, I want to lean in and depend on You for wisdom, patience and grace. In all these things, I will remember that I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Are you ready to live beyond the limits of your circumstances, fears, negative labels and regrets? If so, join our next Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study featuring the book, Limitless Life: You are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future.
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Thank you Rene for this Blessed message. I am there right now. But for the grace of GOD. Amen.
Very encouraging! Thanks heaps. The messiness of life!
Blessed in my mess…………thank goodness because my life has been a series of messes. Normally I make that mess when I move away from God. Thank goodness God is so faithful and loves me regardless of my messes. I need encouragement to walk with God every second of the day.
One more thing! Regarding previous note from
Tina
May 26, 2014
Tina,
Your reply is exactly what I am going through! I’ll pray for you and you pray for me? : )
Love,
Joy ( learning to let go # 2)
God’s timing for me to read your devotional is perfect. I believe with all my heart that God’s watching over me. So, why do I allow negative thoughts to snowball into a doubtful mindset?
A sound mind is my goal. I pray for my past to remain in the past. Instead, I allow it’s criticism to seap threw the cracks my childhood’s emotional and mental abuse from my Mom. I am now 39 years old. I want to pray with a stronger conviction to ask Jesus to rid me of my anger. I am a stronger person thanks to all adversities I experienced according to God ‘s plan. I love God because He is our Father who sent His only son to die for every sin committed.
My favorite verse in the Bible is
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Love, Joy
I’m not sure when my life doesn’t feel like a mess. Good to know that just because my circumstances are messy that it doesn’t mean that I’m a mess!
It feels so difficult to try and see beyond the mess or oppression you are in… Although I realize I am not in spiritual oppression! I thank God for being there when I am ready. Lord speak to me today, in a very personal way…..
Thanks for reminding us that God is with us and can be working in us while we are in the pit, when we are willing to turn things over to Him.
I am not the labels of my past, present or future
I am a child of God!
I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me & that means to me He remove labels, shame, fear all the things that are not of Him.
Thank you for this post
Blessings unto you all
oops Thanks Renee.
Praise the Lord for his ever ending mercy for his children he knows what im going thru and i believe that he is continue to do the work of perfection in my life all i have to do is to let go and let GOD do it for me.Thank You Mary.
After a day like today, I needed this encouraging voice of wisdom. God is here. Thank you, Renee
Through the pain, through the disappointment, be quiet. Don’t dig up your seed with words that don’t align with your faith. Choose praise. Remember our words are a creative force. In the moment of pain and disappointment don’t allow your words to take you where you really don’t want to go. Be still in a place of praise and allow God to move.
“Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.” (Jeremiah 1:12 Amplified)
Trust. Focus. Believe. God is working. He has not forgotten you.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 Amplified)
Lessons Learned in the Key of My Life!
Be Encouraged!
Whew! This is right where I’m at. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder of a light at the end of the tunnel. The Lord has certainly been molding & preparing me for a new journey. Every now and then, panic will start to set in, but thankfully the Holy Spirit lives in me and redirects me to Jesus.
What a great God we have! His call is for us to follow and be obedient to him. But when our lives are a mess and we no longer have the will or desire he picks us up and carries us. He will never forsake us rather he walks through the mess and storm. How great is our God?!
This is a great reminder to trust in the Lord. I am looking forward to this Bible study!!! Thanks for the chance to win.
I really needed to read this today. Right now I am in a transition in my life and feel like there is just pure chaos. Thank you for posting and the reminder that God uses us as we are.
I needed to be reminded of Joseph and what God did in his life. My family has just moved for his company but in the midst of the move, we have felt the bait and switch. It is very painful to watch as hubby seeks to find his place in a growing company that changes with every turn, being stripped of opportunities, with no integrity, honesty or direction in communications of what used to be a company foundation built on Christ, now is ebbing towards Profit before God. I am also seeking to gain back what was lost in my journey of raising an autistic son (now 14). So much of myself has gone into advocating for his needs, but now I need to earn an income within the confines his school schedule…he is too old for a sitter, yet too immature to stay at home on his own due to anxiety and panic attacks. God has provided so much and I am Grateful! Now is the time to gain my Confidence back – looking forward to the study! Thank you much.
Thank you for the powerful words of encouragement . So fitting in so many ways.
This was what I needed to hear today. I know God works out all things for our good. This valley that I’m in right now sometimes feels like I’m drowning but I turn to God’s word and He reveals to me that He does have a plan. I know when this journey comes to an end I will be where God wants me to be.
At times, my life seems to be one trial or mishap after another lately, so this is an awesome reminder to praise Him not only in times of joy but also in times of trial. To remember that He is with me every step of the way!
It seems like when one mess is clearing up, another one starts. Joseph is a great example of a similar process and ultimately we see God’s hand in it all. Thanks for reinforcing that message today.
This was exactly what I needed today…My family is in a situation right now that I feel is complete chaos but it is nothing new. In the past few years it has been one thing after another after another after another…it has started to wear me down and make me feel like it is my fault for this “mess” but at the same time I know that I do not have the power to control the situation we are in. I know there is lesson to be learned from this and I am trying to stay positive through it all but struggling this time around. I will plan to reread the story of Joseph this time I will be looking at Joseph as an example of how I can handle my current situation.
It is always encouraging to see how God works all things together for our good and often also for the good of others. I have to learn to keep that in mind when I am troubled and in the midst of problems. Look up to Him who is able to keep me from falling.
I’ve always LOVED the story of Joseph. I always felt that he could have been so bitter and angry towards his brothers and towards Potipher and his wife. Thank you for the reminder that though he had been wronged without any reason behind it…he still persevered because of God’s grade. I needed to hear this this morning. I have had several things happen in the last few years and I always feel so ashamed because I allow it to bring me bitterness. I have tried to figure out why these things have happened and have even went to the people to no avail. Thank you for your encouragement.
This has been me since last August. I remained in constant prayer and read the book of Job. Not once did I consider reading Joseph’s story in the book of Genesis. This post came right on time as I know God is still working in the midst of my mess and preparing me for something greater and I will remain faithful to him. I will be reading and praying over these chapters this week Genesis 37-50. Thank You!
Wow! Good message! Sounds like a great book. Would be honored to win book and join the Bible study.
While reading this, I couldn’t help but smile. Let me explain, I can’t put all the trials that have come up in my life. I can break it down into a few words: child abuse, domestic abuse and cancer. Looking back on all this I may not understand but I do know that there is no way my Heavenly Father brought me through all this without having BIG plans for me! I keep my smile on my face knowing this. Seating on the edge of my seat waiting to see what He does next!
Your message today rang so true for me. In October of 2012 we lost my ex husband, the father of my two children, to PTSD. In the midst of that mess I continually asked God. Begged is more like it. For peace, and I forced myself to rejoice even when it didn’t seem so sincere. Eight months later we found out that my father had lung cancer. Talk about a mess! But God is so good, and I feel like He was and is still cultivating something very special in me. Good news is Dad is still with us and cancer so far is non active! Go God!
I am in the midst of one of those messy seasons, not entirely of my own making, but yes, I feel like a mess. However, I know that without these messes, I would never learn to rely on God and trust that He knows what is best for me and those around me.
And I thought my life was difficult as a single mom raising 4 children with a messy relationship between their father and his mother…. Thanks for the reminder that my life is in His control and I only have to call on His name for help.
I’m in a pit right now with a loved one. It’s their pit, their mess but when you love someone you share their burden and pain. Thank you for the reminder that God continues to work all things out even when it seems hopeless. I’ve been searching out verses about God’s power, His grace, His desire for good in our lives to share with my loved one. I’m seeing a profound heart change as he walks thru dark days, pacing in the pit. I would really like to share the book with my loved one. God knows and has a plan for all of us maybe tomorrow will be the day He pulls us out of the pit, does a heart work only He can do, makes the impossible a reality! Trusting Him for it!
definitely a subject that affects many tho different trials the same feeling is deep in our souls… I know what I faced in the past three years but see the blessings God has given me after each as I turn to God and ask for help and thank him for all I have… some times longer than others some times more difficult to wait … but to look farther back in my past HE was always there even when I did not acknowledge HIM So thankful for ALL of my life Glory given to God
I would love to do this study and meet others along the way
Thanks for your timely blog. More than a conquerer is exactly what I wrote to friends today in describing flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, along with tan water flowing into my bathtub. Oh humor and grace! Thank you Lord for your strength and sweet promises to never leave me no matter what it feels or looks like.
I pray God will not waste any of my messes and use them for a great masterpiece. I’m ready to live the limitless life!
Amen. GOD Bless you Courtney. Romans 10v11.
As usual, your words always hit home right at the time when we need them the most. Please keep the blog going sharing your insight.
Today’s message was powerful. This morning my husband and I drank a coffee together and we were conversing about the heavy rain. It had been pouring all night and this morning it rained non-stop. Anyway he noticed a leak above me. What seemed at the time a minor problem soon escalated into an insurance claim. All day I felt overwhelmed and my peace had been robbed. I kept meditating, as challenging as it was, that God will provide, He never abandons. My husband has little or no patience. I seem to tolerate difficulties with grace due to life experiences. Nevertheless like any human being my patience sometimes runs out. Your message helped and put my mind at ease. PRAISE God the roof didn’t cave in. My husband and I need to trust in God. It will all work out. It’s these storms in our lives that teaches what God intends for us to learn. We will get by and His grace will suffice. Thank you for sharing.
My life feels like an emotional roller coaster sometimes but one thing that always is even is God’s grace for me through everything. I just need to rely on him and look past all the negatives!
Amen!
This is a great reminder to ask God to bring order to the mess…God is the great organizer and the one who makes straight the crooked paths in our lives. Relying on him is the path to peace.
Mary I would like to connect with you on fb. I am Jeff Swartz.
My facebook name is letsprayfor allthebeloved
Renee, I often think of Joseph and all he went through as God prepared him to fulfill his great purpose according to God’s Divine plan. Joseph’s life story always gives me Hope for myself and others! Thank you for always sharing God’s Word to affirm our faith and trust in God! I signed up for the Limitless Life OBS but have not purchased a book yet. I thank you for an opportunity to win a copy. God bless!
Dear Renee,
Thanks for the reminder that God takes our messes and turns them into masterpieces if we are yielded to His will and willing to ask him what He desires to do in these seemingly dismal and dark moments of our lives. Thanks so much for this post. You really rock!!!
I know everyone, and especially me, needed to hear this. Especially right now in the midst of my mess, my low thoughts of myself and doubt of how God could use me right now, especially to love others is NOTHING compared to what God CAN do, and especially has done! I need to remember the things God has done in my life and how He has used me, because He has! Feelings and situations change, but God never does, and to focus on the present placement keeps us from the plan God has for us. Thank you for speaking truth into our lives!
Thank you for reminding me that God is always with me and in my messes working behind the scenes (with or without my cooperation). How patient He is with me! Trusting Him when life gets challenging and opening up my heart to let God work in me is difficult sometimes, but I’ve seen the love and faithfulness of God when I let Him in. Would love to win the book and join in the study. Thank you to P31 for making chapters 1 & 2 available.
oh how I need this…just a few short days from vacation and I topple down the stairs…a vacation our family so deperately needs. A time to rejuvenate, a time for us, a time away from the hustle and bustle. there are other things, things deep within. thoughts, financial issues, relationship strains, work…i need to understand where my place is, what does God have planned for me…a new corner to turn, a change, a big change?
Thanks for the post. It is a great reminder where our focus needs to be -on God not on the situations and mess of our lives. God is working and we need to evaluate what He wants us to do during these times.
The story of Joseph came very timely today. I certainly had been experiencing a mess when I turned to your website. Immediately hope turned on the light, that God could and would work as I surrendered the mess to Him. Even reminding me that He had been working His love in me in a deeper measure in my heart. More the mess, more the grace, more the praise.! Thank you for your faithfulness.
It’s always reassuring to know that God is with me through everything even though I tend to forget it at times. I am ready to live beyond the limits of my circumstances, fears and regrets
Renee, Just what I needed to encourage my discouraged heart and mind. Miraculously, my soul still remains steadfast even in the weakness of my flesh. My life, in reality, is a mess that has been so since my daddy’s death in an accident 20 years ago. Famines in my (and my precious mama’s) health, finances, relationships, broken engagement, betrayals, and the list goes on as I try to remain strong as the primary caregiver to my mom. I don’t know if I feel closer to Joseph’s or Job’s story…no matter because the Lord has allowed little shafts of sunlight into our lives over the last 20 years. I keep being reminded of a pavilion and how God has placed my mom and I within that place where Satan’s full fury does not touch us. I feel like a mess withina mess, but knowing I serve and trust my Lord with my entire being. Praying that if I’m not weary in well doing I will one day reap. Would love this book…God bless, Cynthia
The last 4 years have been a struggle. We moved away from everything we have ever known, all our family and our church. I know that God has a plan and that’s the only thing hat gets me through day to day. The struggle seems so long and I’m ashamed to say that I get focused on me sometimes but I know God loves me- I will hold on to that!