We spend a lot of time making decisions... worrying about them, planning, researching. Checking our always-crammed calendars, squeezing in more meetings, more work, more travel, more events, more soccer games, more well… just more!! Sometimes celebrating these decisions, sometimes regretting them. Hopefully, praying over them and then, remembering that old saying, “If you want God to laugh, make plans.”
Joseph had it pretty rough there for a while, but he held steadfast in his faith. Throughout his story, we never once heard him say, “Why me?” When his brothers were finally brought before him after years of separation, they did not recognize him. They were terrified, not knowing what to expect. He did not however, react in anger or with hatred, but with love and compassion, embracing them, reminding them, “So then it was not you who sent me here, but God.”
God rewarded Joseph’s faithfulness, blessing him with many things; among those the ability to interpret dreams. Joseph used all of his gifts to please God in all ways. God saw this and blessed Joseph even more abundantly!
My daughter Bella and I have been very blessed to have been led to Central and to come to know so many of you here in the congregation through Sunday school, UMYF, family events and the music programs. We have become fully immersed in the life and heart of this church and consider you all our family now. Since we moved here from Long Island people have always asked us, “What made you move to Shelby?” I had various answers in the past… the weather, the economy.. but now, I just tell them - we followed the star - that led us right to Central. Because I really feel that God steered us here, and this is where he wants us to be. This church has been a gift to us, and all of you with it.
What gifts has God blessed you with? How will you use them to please Him, and to reveal His Spirit to your own brothers and sisters in Christ?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
May we always trust in your plans for us, knowing that they are beyond anything we could dream for ourselves. Please help us to show compassion and understanding to others, just as you bless us with your grace and mercy every single day. Please help us to use the gifts you have blessed us with to further bless others and to be living testimony in this world to your son our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
Written by Laura Lombardi
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