March 30, 2014

Be not grieved... for God did send me before you to preserve life. (Genesis 45:5)

This last week has been a great one. I have learned a lot about my weaknesses, and my strengths. I have realized that I am only strong when I am humble and meek. And to top it off, today in Sunday School we talked about trials.

We talked specifically about Joesph in Egypt. And I don't think that I have really ever taken two days to think about his story, and relate it to my life. Thankfully I didn't have brothers that wanted to kill me, or an employer's wife that wanted to commit adultery, and I haven't been unjustly incarcerated (or thrown in prison at all for that matter).

No, my life has been pretty darn good. I really have no complaints at all. I have a beautiful and wonderful wife. I have a very handsome and healthy son. I have a good job, I'm healthy, and we live in a wonderful area. So you might ask yourself, "Why does the author think that he has a terrible life?"

Simply because there are times that I am selfish and only look at the negative. Not all the time, but it happens. It's usually when there is a lot of stress, or only a little bit of sleep. Which could both easily be avoided.

Looking at Joesph's life has helped me realize the following:

- Even though things were frequently terrible in his life, he still was about doing the Lord's work (Gen 39:9,12; Gen 40:8; Gen 41:16)

- He never murmured or was doubtful that the Heavens were aware of his situation. (Genesis 39:2-3 says that the LORD was with Joseph... and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in [Joseph's] hands; See also Gen 39:21-23)

- There never really was a time that Joseph was lazy, he was constantly working (See previous verses)

- Joseph never sought for power or glory (Gen 41:33-42 - Some might take it that he was in these verses, but it is a personal belief of mine that he was simply advising Pharaoh what was needed to be done. Fortunately Pharaoh searched for someone "whom the Spirit of God is")

- 20 years after his brothers sell him to slave traders, Joseph forgives them and helps them realize that what they did was a good thing (Gen 45:7) I'm not going to lie, I don't know how I would have handled all of those things. I don't know how I would have reacted to brothers that constantly hated me, and then they find me 20 YEARS LATER!

And we know the rest of the story. He saves all that come and partake of the grain and goods.

This is such a testimony builder for me. This helps me know that Heavenly Father is constantly watching over my life as well.

I've been reading the book Weakness is Not Sin. And my perspective has been changed. This is what I have learned so far (First Chapter):

Whenever we start getting discouraged (about something we aren't doing well, or if we are going through something) we choose one of two ways to continue. First we can choose to give in to the depressing advice of Satan (thus leading to a darker path). Or: Second, we can pray to Heavenly Father for an added measure of Grace to get through the trial or difficulty. 

Think on this next time you get discouraged. Make the conscious effort to choose the higher and happier path. 

One word of advice. When you pray for that extra measure of grace, don't lie in your prayer. If you aren't grateful for the trial you are going through, say so. If you aren't happy with yourself, say so. But after you are done having a "real talk" with Heavenly Father, make sure that you listen. So many times Heavenly Father talks to us through the Holy Ghost, but the whispering is so soft and sweet that we don't hear it. I would recommend having a piece of paper or journal next to you so that when you finally hear His comfort through the Holy Ghost you will always be able to return to that journal entry. 

I have experienced this, I have prayed honestly, and I have received so much comfort. 

You and I can get through anything. We can have the determination to make clear and correct choices. We can get off of a path that is disrupting our relationship with Heavenly Father. We can tell Satan to leave us alone. We can get through all things, through the power of the Atonement and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through those two things we have power to overcome an obstacle or trial, no matter how long or difficult the path is.