Happy in God's Will -- Not!

Joseph was born into a life of favor. He was the firstborn of Jacob's favorite wife, Rachel. Because she had been barren, Joseph was an answer to her prayers. At his birth, she said, "God has taken away my disgrace." Jacob loved Joseph and showed him favoritism.

Then, "all hell broke loose." At the age of 17, Jacob was sold into slavery by his brothers. Over the next 14 years, Joseph was a slave and spent years in prison. Was he happy -- not likely. Was he in God's will -- most definitely. On numerous occassions, the scripture states that the "LORD was with him."

Somewhere in modern Christianity we leave the impression that if you are in God's will, you'll be happy. At peace, maybe. Joyful, maybe. But, not necessarily happy.

Sometimes God positions us in difficult times in order to prepare us for what's next and to put us in a position to bring him glory through his work in our lives.

Ultimately, Joseph rose to the position of the second most powerful person in Egypt. From this position, he was able to rescue his people from famine. His path to get there wasn't fun or enjoyable. However, the path and God's work in his life shaped him. When Pharaoh asked for Joseph's help, he said, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Joseph, through his journey, came to place his trust fully in God -- even when it wasn't the path Joseph would have chosen for himself.

We often think that God owes us something. If we live for him, all should go well. That's not true -- at least, not by our definition. It's not about us. God chooses to work in our circumstances to conform us to his image so that we live in such a way that brings him glory and extends his kingdom gathering more people who will worship him.

Proverbs 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.