The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Wednesday
January 30, 2008
Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather around. I want to tell you what you
can expect in the days to come."
"I wait in hope for your salvation, GOD."
Genesis 49:1, 18
One of my all-time favorite people in the Bible is Joseph, Jacob's favorite son. He endured more than any of us could ever imagine. Yet, he forgave and on top of forgiving – he delivered his family, from hardship.
As his father was facing his last days, he called all of his sons together for his "blessings." If you have the time it proves interesting reading to go and see that not all of it was blessings. It was quite evident that Jacob didn't have the same forgiving spirit as Joseph, or maybe it was he saw into the future. I don't know, but the message he had for a few of his sons that day wasn't all hopeful.
Yet, right in the middle of his discourse is a simple one-line prayer. "I wait in hope for your salvation, GOD." This man knew what waiting was. He also knew his sons would spend time waiting. So, what better witness could he be for them than reaching out in prayer; a great lesson for all parents?
I bought Becca one of those like "real" baby dolls for Christmas several years ago. It's called a La Baby. I bought her a boy one. It was wrapped and put under the tree in a big box. She almost went crazy wanting to open it. I just told her that she would get a kick out of it and it would be something her friends wouldn't have.
Well, when she opened it and saw what it was, of course, she was a little embarrassed at first, but then she stated talking about names and I told her about my favorite name and why. So, she named it Joseph. Rebecca has seen me, at times, stop and pray about things. Now, she also knows that I'm not faithful at attending church, but she also knows my heart. She knows that Jesus means the world to me and treating others right is first and foremost in our house.
She has one of the sweetest little hearts around. Oh, she can get an attitude, but she loves Jesus. Just pray that one day she will take it a step further. She's afraid of being baptized.
I know, I know, I got off course…or did I? Aren't we to offer hope to everyone? His Hope? Becca has a doll named Joseph. She knows the meaning behind the name and that will be a witness to her from now on.
Father, we thank You so much for Joseph and Jacob. We thank You for parents who are willing to pray in front of and with their children. Lord, teach us to have no fear in this area. Help us to bless our children everyday and not wait until the day we die. We love You and we need Your wisdom and guidance, and blessings on a daily basis. Thank You for this Word of hope today. We certainly needed it!
