Joseph.

Joseph.

Not too long ago I had the joy of listening to my husband share with our kids, from his heart, the story of Joseph. Something he shared has stuck with me.

In the past year and even recent weeks I have been faced with a choice. It's a choice Joseph too was faced with. The choice to forgive before even being asked. For me it's been the pain of a Grandfathers rejection and hurtful choices. He's gone to the grave himself now, so I can't ever find explanation or forgiveness if I'm awaiting something like that. It's been being cut off and spoken to harshly while trying to share my heart. It's been wounds from friends, from family and even from those distant past hurts that can linger and replay from time to time.

BUT, nothing like Joseph had to face.

Joseph.

Joseph exemplifies forgiveness to me. He was mocked, ridiculed, hated. He was abused, beaten, thrown in a pit and left for dead. And then, he was betrayed, sold, and forgotten. Yet, in his love and humility and mercy he forgave his brothers--before they even asked for forgiveness. And he trusted that even what was meant for his harm was being used by God for his good and for Gods glory! And he willingly laid down any bit of self that would want to steal back that thunder or inflict righteous judgment for wrongs committed to him.

Joseph forgave. Joseph forgave and acted in forgiveness BEFORE he was even approached about it.

So, as I walk in the land of the living I pray this today...

God, make me truly alive! Alive in the action of forgiveness! Forgiveness that is offered BEFORE it is even asked upon me to extend mercy.  Forgiveness that is alive and living and active and thus, makes me more alive! May my heart beat for Yours and may I express a Joseph-like forgiveness, a Jesus-like forgiveness! And may I be changed!  In Jesus name, amen!

Much love,
Abi