28/10/2013 - APPROVED WORKER

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It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt.

Genesis 40:1

Joseph was cowardly accused of sexual harassment and, as a consequence, was locked in jail. Albeit innocent, he did not complain or got carried away by feelings of revenge; rather, he remained firm in the fear of God. That man knew how to suffer with dignity and proved to be prepared to serve the Lord. Thus, he continued under the protection of the Almighty.

God’s hand was upon him when he was in prison; the Lord had not forsaken him. Oddly enough, his training included those years in prison. No matter where you are sent, He who is faithful and true will never leave you (Joshua 1:5). Your learning may include places and events you never dreamed of or even chose. However, God will convey you the lesson if you respect the divine will and believe in His love.

Two servants of the king of Egypt offended their lord, and were taken to the same prison where Joseph was. Upon seeing them arrive, Joseph did not suspect that one of them was there to help him out of prison. It always happens because God has His ways to operate and will always use things we are unaware of to accomplish His plans. Our duty is solely to believe in His love. Never lose your hope and faith in any situation.

After the cupbearer and the baker came out of prison, each with his own fate, just as Joseph had predicted, time went by and it seemed that the butler was ungrateful (Genesis 40:23). This teaches us not to be troubled if someone fails to keep their promise to us. The Almighty knew that Joseph needed a few more lessons to come out prepared and carry out the mission destined to him by the Lord. And because he was not discouraged, the day arrived and the prophecy was fulfilled.

Even if circumstances seem to indicate that God does not remember you or that your case is lost, do not get impatient but keep on serving the Lord. He knows why He allowed you to be placed where you are now. In Heaven, it will be revealed to us the reasons why we had to go through unpleasant situations. The truth is that God needs you to be faithful over a few things so that He can make you rule over many things (Matthew 25:21). So pass the test with flying colors.

The Lord was looking ahead to a time when only the one who had learned His lessons would be able to give a certain piece of advice to Pharaoh. Thus, thousands of lives would be spared, including Joseph’s family, from whom Jesus descended in the flesh. One day, the Almighty will explain everything that has happened to you. Now, the important thing is to be an approved worker (II Timothy 2:15)!

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares

 

 

29/02/2012 - APPROVED WORKER

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I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philippians 4:12

The Word instructs us to present ourselves approved workers to the Almighty, rightly dividing the Sword of the Spirit (2 Tim 2:15). So no matter what situation our Commander has allowed us to go through, we must show that we know how to divide the Word. If we live in abundance, amen! But if in shortage, amen just the same! He promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The important thing is to pass the test.

If when going through trials a God’s servant gets in despair and gives up his or her mission or fulfills it complaining, he or she shows they are not ready to serve. Those who worship the Lord only in times which are favorable to them do not allow the Commander to guide them through the Holy Spirit. Even today the Lord leads the ones who will be used by Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. If we pass the test, our mission will be entrusted to us.

The Almighty never acts irresponsibly. He will never assign something big to people who are not prepared. We are instructed by the Word and by the struggles we fight because through them we prove whether we are being guided by the Holy Spirit. Only those who submit to God in all things know how to proceed when the battle heats up and the evil one comes with unwanted offerings.

God tests those He accepts as His children and also prepares the right ones to do His will. No ruling authority would be insane to pass by a construction site, choose one of the workers randomly and send him abroad as an ambassador.  Envoys are people who possess the capacity to represent the country. The Kingdom of Heaven is far more excellent than any nation.

If you are being tempted to give up, to be unfaithful, dishonest, or do something bad, do not back down because you are being tested. The Lord allows the devil to tempt His children so that they learn the value of trusting and serving God. If you haven’t yielded to temptation yet, you haven’t sinned. Stand firm and do not give in, otherwise you will be disqualified to represent the King of kings.

God’s servants must know how to abound and how to be abased. Scarcity, as well as abundance, is used by our Master to teach us to always depend on His provision. God needs people who do not sell themselves for some gold that the devil may offer them. The mark of a faithful servant is faithfulness to the Lord, to his or her spouse, the employer and others.

Be a man or a woman of valor and do not let anyone disqualify you. Be an approved worker!

In Christ with love, 

R. R. Soares