I Cannot, but God Can

Scripture: Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:15-16

Observation: In this one-sentence response and his ensuing action, Joseph perfectly demonstrates a right relationship with God:

-- God first loves us.
-- We choose to have faith in God and his love.
-- We willfully act upon that faith, with guidance from God and in accordance with his will.
-- God blesses us.

In other words, our blessings are all from God, for God's glory, and it all starts with his love for us.

Application: I titled my blog "the lord will provide" to always remind me of this truth ... God has provided me with EVERYTHING in my life! When I was a lost, angry, frustrated, drunk, lonely, straying young man, God chose to pour his love upon me. As only he could do, my life is now filled with love, hope, family, joy, riches ... every kind of blessing. (I'm still too angry ... working on that.)

I know God gave these things to me, but I do need to be reminded. There are times I get a little too full of myself and my plans. Sometimes I'm too proud - thinking about how good I am at my job or how I've earned a promotion. sometimes I'm too worried - concerned about how to pay for my son's college or our next vacation. Today I am reminded ... Jehovah Jireh ... the LORD will provide!! I know this, and I trust it.

God loves me, and I have faith in him. I strive to seek and do his will every day, and in all situations I know he will provide to me what he has decided is right for the advancement of his kingdom. I do not seek my plans, my desires, my goals ... and even if I did, they would be folly, as his ways are better than mine.

Prayer: Dear lord ... thank you for loving me SO much that you gave me salvation through Jesus, and then all the blessings of my life. I return my life to you - make me a living sacrifice for you - to advance your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.