Secret Places
By Jeannine Sawall
" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."
Genesis 41:1 begins by saying "When two full years had
passed..." This chapter is telling the story of Joseph. Joseph had been
falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison. He had sat in prison for a
full two years before being called before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. As he
sat in prison, it was probably the lowest point in Joseph's life. He had done
nothing wrong, yet it hadn't kept him from suffering. And while Joseph's people
skills had given him a better position in prison, he was still… in… prison. God
had not orchestrated a quick release or quick justice to prevail. He sat there
- - seemingly forgotten - - in that dark, secret place for TWO FULL YEARS.
Sometimes we experience the same thing in our lives. We are left
in a dark, secret place of suffering for a long time…just waiting. We may feel
forgotten or abandoned and wonder where God is? Why hasn't He rescued us? How
long will we wait here? But God has a plan. He works out our "junk" in
the secret places. God's ways are not our ways. Each of us has a different path
that God calls us to, and sometimes that secret place is where we are called to
wait for His plan to unfold.
As Joseph's story goes on, he is finally remembered by the chief
cupbearer and is called before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. Joseph tells
Pharaoh that he is not able to interpret his dreams, but that God is able to do
it for him. He gives the glory to God. After hearing the interpretations,
Pharaoh decides a wise man must be put in charge. Pharaoh then sets Joseph in a
position of power lower only than that of Pharaoh himself. Joseph experienced a
change in his circumstances that he had never imagined! Pharaoh recognized the
work of God in Joseph's life and moved him from the pit to the palace!
When you are faithful to God, others will be blessed because you
are in God's favor. People will seek you out because you are remembered by God.
They will want to know what your secret is. It's Jesus! We can willingly walk
through the dark places when we know we are walking it with the King. God does
not want us to give up! He wants us to remain faithful in those dark, secret
places. For it is there that He can work out our “stuff” and use it to His
glory. Beloved, stay faithful. God has not forgotten you. He is orchestrating
your freedom in ways you just can't imagine!
GOING DEEPER:
- Where in your life do you feel that you have
been left waiting in a secret place?
- How has your story
of suffering been used to bring God glory?
FURTHER
READING:
Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great
guys. She works in the property management business.Jeannine serves in several
behind the scenes ministries and has a heart for those who are grieving.
