Standing in front of the tower with the glass windows, looking up at the nineteen floors, your breathing is deep, and you can feel your heartbeat in your throat. You have studied hard, slept little and gave up your social life and now this is it, you are about to start the job of your dreams. It is the biggest law firm in the country and yet you feel excited and fearful at the same time.
I wonder if this is how Joseph felt, when within one day, he changed his position, from being in prison, to becoming the second in command of Egypt. Let us read together from Genesis 41:40 – 44: “You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.””
What a big responsibility Joseph had, and I am sure that from a human perspective, He must have had moments of feeling somewhat overwhelmed, not knowing what will come his way. However, what Joseph did know, was that God was with Him and the Spirit of God in Him and that meant that He had Godly peace, the peace which transcends all human understanding (Philippians 4:6 – 7). Did he have all the answers? Off course not! He did however have the counsel of the Holy Spirit, which is key to dealing with the unknown in having to move forward.
We are currently facing a change in our lives, moving back to our homeland, after representing our country for four years in a different part of the world. I still remember the day we received the notice of our appointment and the day we arrived in the new country, we experienced mixed feelings of excitement at yet so many uncertainties. New culture, new language, no family and not the little comfort treats that we have been used to. I won’t call it fear, but yes, we have had many stressful moments, having to step out of our comfort zones.
Now, after four years, we are still very humble and respectful of what God sent us to do. It has been an honour and a privilege, but it is also time to return and hence getting ready for the next big change in our lives. Do we have all the answers on when, where to and what exactly we need to go and do? No! However, we know that God only has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The Holy Spirit is in our hearts and lives and we therefore fear nothing. Although we are faced with the giant of the unknown, we will not be facing it alone and therefore we have chosen to move forward in faith (Hebrews 11:1, Isaiah 7:9).
Dear reader, what is the mountain lying ahead of you? Are you feeling overwhelmed, almost as if you are choked by the unknown? Today, be motivated by the examples of the prophets and the people in the Bible, that God will never leave nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5). We have been called for a time such as this, to go and make a difference for God, so no matter our circumstances or the unknown, we need to move forward in Christ, knowing that He has our back and our future (Deuteronomy 31:1 – 8).
Maybe you are starting university, entering your first job, moving to a new workplace, starting over after a divorce or having to move forward after losing a loved one? Whatever the challenge, be encouraged by God’s promise in Joshua 1:5 – 9. “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous………. Be strong and very courageous………Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Amen!
Love in Christ, Princess K
If you are not planted in Christ, and need His salvation, this is where restoration and new beginnings start. You can follow this link: https://test.jesustomyrescue.com/accept-jesus/ for assistance.