Do not be deceived!
Genesis 37:11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #350 March We Onward (#393 in previous version)
When the saved children of God do not fall into deception, they can remain victorious. However, within this world there are many events that arise that strive to sway our hearts, and complications that attempt to strip us of our blessings. We fall into dismay by thinking to ourselves “I’m having troubles” or “Why don’t I have any prayer answers!” Thus, we lose hold of the ability to see the answers that God has prepared to give us. In order to stand victorious within your struggling family environment and this tight economy, you must first open your spiritual eyes.
1. What must I do in the face of problems?
Man may face problems in any given situation. Opening your eyes to correctly see these problems is the way of not falling into deception. Jesus Christ has already solved all my problems; hence, there is no need for me to worry. It is not that God has allowed problems to arise according to His time schedule for His children, but rather that He prepared great things that may initially be perceived as mere problems. If one is genuinely aware of this truth, then one can receive fundamental answers when encountering hardships. If you have witnessed Joseph’s family problems turn into incomparable answers, then you too must enjoy answers within your very own life.
2. You must see God’s plan
As Joseph began to have dreams, he was able to see God’s plan (Genesis 37:1~11). It says that while Joseph spoke about his dreams, his father Jacob kept the matter in mind. When family members are able to connect with one another through the Gospel, God will utilize that family for the sake of His works. Before the conflicts of slavery and imprisonment, Joseph realistically enjoyed the answer that God was undoubtedly with him. Similarly, when a child of God is able to enjoy one’s identity and authority before hardships and conflicts, the plan of God that is hidden within the depth of these problems can be perceived. Like Joseph, we can witness God’s plan of using me and my family to fulfill evangelism and missions.
3. Great answers arise (Genesis 39:1~6, Genesis 45:1~5)
If you are aware of God’s plan, then the power of the name of Jesus Christ arises within your field. In everything that you do, God is with you. Wherever you are, the Holy Spirit works upon you as the forces of darkness are broken down and the blessings of the throne also come upon you. At that moment, the doors of evangelism and missions are opened. You are able to confirm problems and hardships provided by God being used as a method of approaching His great blessings.
-God is the one that allows both answers and hardships to arise. Through the problems and hardships you are encountering now, what kind of works will God fulfill? As you meditate, ask God . Japan Remnant Conference Lecture 1 / 2012.3.28