TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
..."It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." - Genesis 41:52
Joseph named his second son Ephraim. Ephraim was given to him after he had been delivered from his suffering of 13 years. Joseph said that he named him this because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering. Ephraim means "twice fruitful."
Joseph was fruitful in two instances. He was fruitful during his time of adversity and in his prosperity. When God brings us into a time of suffering, it can be a fruitful time. It's rare for us to see the fruit during the suffering period. But know that the roots are going deep into the spiritual soil of our soul because of our pressing in to God during our time of suffering. This is producing a work in our character that cannot be seen until it finishes the process. Such was the case for Joseph.
It was not until several years after such a time of suffering that I began to see the fruit of the trials that the Lord allowed me to experience. How grateful I am to understand some of the "why" that has led to a new life in Him that I would never have had without this period.
Samson had great anointing but lacked character. We see many today who have great anointing yet lack character. But God is rising up Josephs who not only have great anointing for these days but also great character. Suffering produces character.
If you find yourself in a time of suffering, now is the time to press into God. Let your roots grow deeper. Whenever there is a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. These times are designed to create such a deep-rooted faith that our natures will be changed forever.
5 comments:
Very good, Grammy!
Hi Gayle,
This post on suffering is so encouraging. It made my heart happy when I read it and pondered its meaning.
And, I love your post with the definition of Humility. I saw that in the John Three Sixteen Sunday School paper we receive at church, and it rang a bell in my heart also. Just reading those words makes my heart feel at peace with God and the world. I am grateful that this explanation of Humility is exactly how Jesus wants us to feel in our hearts at all times.
I trust God is blessing you two dear hard-working people. You and Brother Eisenhart have been fervent and faithful for Jesus.
With love,
Sherry & Bud in Phoenix
Thanks Sherry It is encouraging to me also. When I read it I just had to share. Love you all! Praying for you!
I don't know you but this post is such an encouragement to me. I lost my 9 year old daughter to a brain tumor recently and needed to read these words. Thank you.
I loved this post on suffering. Miss you all.
Phillip
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