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Life is short enough, so it is important that we walk with the right person. God may not respond exactly when you want him to, but he is always on time. There is a story in the Bible about a young boy named Joseph who was enslaved by his enemy until his own words came true, and God had finished testing him. God’s plan was for Joseph to live in a palace, however, for years he lived in a prison, charged with crimes he never committed.

But it was there in prison that Joseph met a butler who had the ear of Pharaoh, and through this connection, he was promoted to the number two spot in Egypt. We must understand this, that when we walk with God, our opportunities for advancement are regulated by his plan, not someone else’s actions.

As recorded in the Bible, “Joseph remained a slave until his own words, had come true, and the Lord had finished testing him.” When you are tested in life, remember that preparation always precedes promotion and promotion comes when you are available. These things and walking with the right person are paramount.

We have to trust God for everything in life (food, shelter, healing, etc.) I had to learn an important lesson about humility, divine guidance, and trusting God in times of my needs. Things that didn’t necessarily make sense to my natural mind forced me to trust in a source greater than my own strength.

I have learned that when God is going to build something great, he takes time to lay a strong foundation. So, allow yourself time to grow. Let God build a foundation under you that will sustain you and the blessings he has in mind for you in the years ahead.

Know that you cannot form a clear vision of realistic and desirable outcomes for your life before you begin a transformation process. Transformation takes us from the known to the unknown. As this process unfolds, we begin to envision new desirable things in life. Often these desirable things are more complex than we could articulate at the outset. However, trusting in God’s plan will help you through the dark period experienced in life.

The great author of The Courageous Follower, Ira Chaleff, states that “the process of personal transformation moves us from disorienting, threatening beginnings, to sobering and eye-opening middles, to invigorating and rejuvenating outcomes.” So Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!

By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net