"When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt." Genesis 39:1
Xoloni Nuvuno was one of 20,000 runners who participated in South Africa's Comrades Marathon yesterday. Known as the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race of approximately 89 km (55 miles), its' primary aim as stated by their constitution is to "celebrate mankind's spirit over adversity." And if adversity is defined as difficulties or misfortune, Nuvuno, who is an amputee that overcame drug and alcohol addiction and survived cancer, most definitely embodied that spirit as he completed the race on crutches and crossed the finish line around 4:30 p.m., after almost 16 hours of running (was allowed to start five hours early). By refusing to give up, Xoloni and his supporters are now celebrating his victory--not only for completing the race but for conquering the many obstacles and struggles along the way that could have broken his spirit.
And while you and I may never face cancer or battle drug addiction, we will all, at one point or another, face some type of adversity in our Christian walk that will tempt us to give up or break our spirit. Joseph most certainly did. He was sold as a slave by his very own brothers to some Ishamelite traders who took him to Egypt. But as trying as that event might have been for Joseph, it was this very misfortune that put him right in the will of God! You see, it was there that Joseph was "purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer" who was also the "guard for Pharaoh, the King of Egypt." And through the series of events that followed (including many more hardships and difficulties), Joseph was put in a position of leadership that allowed him to save Egypt from famine.
And while you and I may never face cancer or battle drug addiction, we will all, at one point or another, face some type of adversity in our Christian walk that will tempt us to give up or break our spirit. Joseph most certainly did. He was sold as a slave by his very own brothers to some Ishamelite traders who took him to Egypt. But as trying as that event might have been for Joseph, it was this very misfortune that put him right in the will of God! You see, it was there that Joseph was "purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer" who was also the "guard for Pharaoh, the King of Egypt." And through the series of events that followed (including many more hardships and difficulties), Joseph was put in a position of leadership that allowed him to save Egypt from famine.
So if you're facing some type of adversity today, consider this. Each and every trial that Joseph endured served a purpose in his life--to place him where he needed to be and to prepare him for what he needed to do. So don't give up and don't give in my friend. God could very well be doing the same with you. Isn't that a reason to celebrate?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our trials serve a purpose and that if we do not give up, we will celebrate the good things You have prepared for us in advance. Give us a tenacious spirit Lord that is so fixed on You that the idea of quitting never even crosses our mind. Oh use us in big ways Lord! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Yes I will - Vertical Worship
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