by Debra Neybert, Heartbeat International, Training Specialist
(from Take Heart Volume 2, Issue 1)
Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering," Genesis 41:50-51.
We have entered a new year and a new decade; the future is bright for those of us that trust in the Lord. Each season of life has its blessings and its trials. Last year may have held some unexpected trials for you. Joseph had a long season of imprisonment that included: being misunderstood, abandoned, falsely accused, forgotten, and rejected.
Joseph persevered under very difficult circumstances. When it was God’s time to set him free, he was literally raised up overnight into the destiny God had for him all along. Psalm 105:17-19 says “and he sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles; his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass till the word of the LORD proved him true.”
Joseph’s imprisonment did end and he was able to proclaim that God caused him to forget his sorrow. In addition to that, in the very land where he suffered mistreatment, God made him fruitful. What a proclamation!
We may never forget the circumstances of our hardships but God is able to take the sting and sorrow from our hearts so that our souls are not left wounded and traumatized. He is the God of restoration. Scriptures tell us that someday He will wipe every tear from our eyes. In that time, full restoration will be our portion!
What about being fruitful in the very place where you have suffered? When we let God have His way, fruit is produced even though we may not be aware of it. Certainly, the trials we endure can produce more of the fruit of the spirit: more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But what about seeing streams in the desert, life in a place of barrenness, comfort for a broken heart, healing for a longtime illness?
You may look at your life and ministry wondering, “What was last year all about?” (And perhaps even years past!) It’s been preparation; Joseph found himself finally released from years of disappointment, able to forget the pain of the past and become fruitful in the land of his suffering.
Joseph starts both of his statements with, “It is because God” Yes, it is because God is able to make us more than conquers that we are able to forget the sting of the past and move into a fruitful place for His Kingdom sake. It is because God!!!!
