Chockful of Challenges
Monday, October 9, 2023
“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger, but recognize the opportunity.” – John F. Kennedy
Are you a glass half-full or a glass half-empty kind of person? I am an eternal (some would say hopeless) optimist, which means that not only do I see the glass as being half-full, but also getting ready to overflow. And so, when an obstacle presents itself, I try my best not to get too discouraged. Instead, I simply look for creative ways to go around, over, under, or through the obstacle.
Joseph was the same way. Despised by his brothers and sold into slavery in a foreign land, he went to work for his new master with a sense of dedication, devotion, and determination. And when he was falsely accused of sexual assault and thrown into prison, he continued to minister to his fellow inmates.
Eventually, Joseph was released from prison and God elevated him to the position of prime minister in Egypt, second in power and authority to the pharaoh himself. In that position, Joseph was able to provide grain during a famine to the Egyptian people… and to his own family, who had traveled from Israel looking for food.
My friend, life is chockful of challenges. How you perceive them – as obstacles or opportunities – makes all the difference.
Be a Joseph!
“But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here: for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
