Read Genesis 49:22-24 – Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well; his branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel). (NKJV)
There’s something about the faithful man that makes even those around him stronger. He is able to endure hardship and mistreatment because the road he has chosen is a strong road. The path of doing what is right and living that path makes him stronger than he looks. His strength comes from within. Joseph was that man. In spite of his brothers’ mistreatment and the unjust circumstances that others’ misdeeds brought to his life, Joseph stayed on course with righteous choices, and that decision made him strong. That’s what faithfulness does. It makes one strong with a resolute solidity that cannot be easily shaken. The hurtful choices of others bring disappointments, but even that hurt doesn’t bring compromise, for the choices of others are not a part of the road the faithful have chosen. They remain true because their own heart is committed to the path of righteousness.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
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