His power is at work within you!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Amplified Version
Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
His Word is active in those who believe!
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
Producing all things…
And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].
1 Corinthians 12:6 AMP
…for good!
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Look to the things unseen!
So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable. 2 Corinthians 4:18 AMP
The Story of Joseph
(Read Genesis Chapters 37 - 50 for the full account.)
This story clearly portrays God at work behind the scenes within the tumultuous life of Joseph. Within his chaotic circumstances, God moved in the things unseen.
The Lord rescued, redeemed, and restored his life superabundantly.
Such is the journey of Joseph.
1. He experienced sibling rivalry and was hated by his brothers. (Genesis 37: 3)
2. His brothers mocked him. Called him, “Dreamer!” (Genesis 37:19)
3. His siblings planned to kill him. (Genesis 37:20)
4. Stripped him of his ornate robe. (Genesis 37: 23)
5. They threw him in to a dry well. (Genesis 37:24)
6. Instead of leaving him for dead, his brothers sold him in to slavery to a passing
caravan. (Genesis 37:26)
7. Those in the caravan traveled to Egypt, and sold Joseph to Potiphar who was one
of Pharaoh’s top officials. (Genesis 37:36)
8. As a servant to Potiphar, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife.
(Genesis 39:17-18)
9. This accusation resulted in his imprisonment. (Genesis 39:20)
10. BUT, the Lord was with Joseph. (Genesis 39:23)
11. Though, Joseph was forgotten by man. (Genesis 40:23)
12. In time, the cupbearer (a fellow prisoner) remembered him, and Pharaoh sent for
Joseph to interpret his dream. God revealed the meaning of the dream to Joseph,
resulting in Pharaoh appointing Joseph as governor. (Genesis 41)
13. A famine comes to the land. Joseph is put in charge of overseeing the provisions.
His brothers travel to Egypt seeking such provision. Twice. (Genesis 42 - 44)
14. Joseph wept when he made himself known to his brothers at their return.
(Genesis 45)
15. Joseph took a look behind the scenes. Then said,
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to
Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.” (Genesis 45:8 NIV)
16. His father, Jacob, made the trek to Egypt to be reunited with his son. (Genesis 46)
17. God rescued Joseph, then Joseph rescued a nation. (Genesis 47)
18. In the last chapter of his story, Joseph declares the unseen. (Genesis 50:20)
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 NIV
Hated by his brothers. Ridiculed. Mocked. Betrayed. Endangered. Accosted. Abused. Stripped. Left for dead. Sold in to slavery. Slandered. Falsely accused. Imprisoned. Forgotten by man (though remembered by God). Overwhelmed. Emotionally wrought.
Yet, in all of this, Joseph looked beyond his circumstances to the things unseen.
Like Joseph, take a look behind the scenes. Be assured, God is at work!
Prayer
Father,
Just like the account of Joseph, I acknowledge that You are working behind the scenes of my life to : rescue, redeem, and restore - superabundantly!
Though others meant harm, I trust that You will work all these things for good.
I rejoice, for Your Word is at work in me accomplishing more than I can imagine.
Thank you, Lord!
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 NKJV
And Amen.
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