Ups and Downs

    Life is full of ups and downs.  The only way we can handle it is to turn to God for stability.  When we keep our eyes on Him the things going on around us are like background music.  You know it is there.  It doesn't change the fact that it is there, but it doesn't consume your mental space.  You really can find a place of emotional peace when things seem crazy all around you.

    Joseph and all his brothers died and life moved on as did the honor the family held among the Egyptians. They had populated to a great number like God had promised decades before.  Enough time had gone by that the current Pharaoh did not know of all Joseph had done for the Egyptians.  He feared their numbers, so he turned them into slaves.  The family that seemed to have everything was now forced labor.

    The Pharaoh feared their numbers because if they ever wanted to take over they could.  He was attempting population control.  However, God never breaks his promises.  They still multiplied against the odds.  They were worked ruthlessly and the midwives were ordered to kill all the boys that were born.  You would think that if  he wanted to control the population, then he would had gone after the girls.  The midwives feared God, so they came up with a story that the women gave birth before they got there.  This did not work very long.  He eventually ordered the babies to be thrown into the Nile.  Ironically, the Bile is the main river of that brought life to them all.  He wanted to use what brought life to take life.

    Everyone has experienced oppression in one manner or another.  When life feels unbearable, then look at all the blessings you have.  You have shelter, food, and life.  You are blessed if you have loved ones (human or animal), a home, transportation, or luxury in life.  We were not promised things, so show gratitude.  Do not let bitterness into your heart or it will destroy all the good in your life.  If you are in a bad place now, cling to the promise that it will not be like that forever.  Every hour may feel like eternity and it may feel like it will never end, but it will.  When you get through it, then you will hopefully know God better and He has made your stronger.

Exodus 1