The story of Joseph and his brothers is such a beautiful picture of the gospel. If you’re not familiar with the story, Joseph was the favorite son of his father out of his many brothers. His brothers were manly men, they worked hard, and they resented Joseph. So, Joseph’s brothers devised a plan to get rid of him, they decided to sell him into slavery and lied to their father. Though, much to their surprise, Joseph ended up in a position of power. His brothers’ unknowingly came to him for help when a famine fell on their land. Joseph extended his hand, told them who he was and helped them even after all the horrible things they put him through.
The reason this is such a pure example of the gospel, is because we do the same thing with God. We are the brothers. We use God and ignore Him. When we need Him we come crawling asking for help, and He helps us no questions asked. It is as if He was preparing everything to be perfect as soon as we were ready to admit we needed Him. He doesn’t ask us to jump through hoops. He just loves us.
Lately I have been so focused on the truth that I am not good enough. I was so stuck on something that had no effect on God loving me. Of course I’m not good enough, there’s no question about it. He made me. He knows me more intimately than I know myself. The fact that I am unworthy does not come as a shock to Him. I have found peace in the reality that He never asked me to be good enough. He just asked me to trust Him. Trust in the promise that He repeats over and over in scripture, that He will provide for me and love me no matter what.
So many of my goals have been snuffed out because I didn’t think I was good enough to accomplish them. I’m done sabotaging myself because I feel unworthy of my reward. God chose me. He didn’t choose me under false pretenses. He chose me because He knows me. He knows my story. He knows that the things that I go through, the things that I have overcome, help others and show how powerful and magnificent God is.
As hard as it is to put down in writing (because that makes it real). I am vowing not to focus on my 5 year/10 year plan. I’m focusing on today with everything God has put in me. I am focusing on doing everything to the glory of God no matter how big or small. I’m not perfect, so I know I will make mistakes. Just because I know perfection is impossible is no reason not to strive to be better everyday. I challenge you to do the same. Everyday I do better is a successful day. Success isn’t measured by the number in the bank account, but in the way that you love yourself and those around you. I’m continually striving to make every day more successful than the last. No matter how many trip ups or mistakes.
-Elizabeth
