I once heard a teacher say…Joseph, in prison one day, a shower and a shave, and he’s on the throne the next day. Wow, what an amazing turn of events. Joseph must have thought he was dreaming. He probably had to pinch himself.

Was anyone more badly treated than Joseph? As I think upon the various heroes of faith in the Bible, I’m not sure anyone endured more. Jeremiah the prophet was treated very badly. I think his countrymen tried to kill him because they didn’t like his prophecies. Jeremiah didn’t have much good to say from God because the people were in disobedience and He (both of them!) was trying to warn them of what was coming because they wouldn’t turn back to God. Some sections of the church might call that  “being negative,” but there is a time for correction.

I thank God every time He corrects me about something. I thank Him because #1, I’m grateful that I can hear Him correct me, and #2, by receiving His correction, I can make a change and avoid terrible consequences, and #3, the bible says if we endure correction  or chastening, then we are truly His children. That’s good news!

Hebrews 12:5-8 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives…If you are without chastening…then you are illegitimate and not sons.”

Being corrected and chastened by the Lord is good! It may not feel good, but it is for our good and you can trust God’s intentions!

I will stop here for now with that thought, but I do have more to say about Joseph which I will save for a later time.

Lord, help us to more fully see Your great love for us when You correct and chasten us. Help us to embrace it fully and not run from it nor be embittered, but greet it with gratitude and thanks, knowing the truth of Hebrews 5-8. We love You.