Joseph’s statement of faith: “ God turned into good what you meant for evil.”
Genesis 50:20 TLB

At New Hope Community Church where I worship, we’ve been looking at the Old Testament story of Joseph. Although treated with immense injustices in his teenager and early adult life, he did not become a victim of his circumstances. Instead, he made these amazing choices.

How sad it is, today, when women, men, or children are told that the proper thing to do is put up with abuse, deny its effects and move on. Instead of giving victims of abuse the support and power they need to flee, churches often tell them they must stay. No woman, man, or child can do this and thrive in their faith. If we are Christians in this culture, we must have the kind of faith, attitude, and action that Joseph displayed and Jesus practiced.

Unfortunately, I have sometimes ignored messages and actions from others that are hurtful. In my poem, today, I talk about a more mature choice. I’m so thankful for supportive friends and a husband who values and supports me. Most of all, I am thankful to Jesus. It’s through my relationship with him that I find healing, wisdom, strength, courage, and love. Through him, I’ve discovered my true identity and I embrace it with joy.


 When I’m stuck in a rut of anger, suspicion, and resentment,
 How do I get back to self-control, trust, and contentment?
  
 I have a little talk with myself
 I ask Our Father for help
  
 I call some friends and ask them to pray
 I take positive action, without delay
  
 In this way, I show respect for myself
 And enjoy mental and emotional health
  
 I may be a victim but I have a choice
 I can accept my lot or make use of my voice
  
 I can call for support and refuse to remain
 A captive to any human’s chain
  
 I can prove who I am by doing good
 I don’t need to be hostile and start a feud
  
 Our Father in heaven sees the unjust
 He fights for victims of prejudice.
  
 Jane Ault
 2/25/2020 



4 Responses

  1. It’s hard to hold back the thoughts that come, to ask questions that only would probably make things worse. How gracious of our heavenly Father to give us the choice to be quiet, and to allow Him to work in the situation that we’re involved with.

  2. Thank you Jane! It is so easy to react and not bring God into those situations. I appreciate your poem and reminder to seek his view- prayer changes everything.

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