Putting Away Regret

In my preaching series through the book of Genesis, I find it fascinating to study the life of Jacob.  As he got older, Jacob had many reasons to regret his past.  Instead of relying on the Lord's strength, many times he relied on his own strength. He made a lot of mistakes.  Yet God always encouraged Jacob - he kept promising that he would be with him. He continually blessed him, and promised that he would always be with him. God made him successful and made him rich. He also blessed him with twelve sons (tribes), including Judah, who would later be the direct line to David and then eventually to Jesus. And if that weren't enough, God vindicates Jacob at the end of his life when he is reunited with Joseph and with his grandchildren.

But what strikes me is God's providence through Jacob. It's what God does despite Jacob. Inexplicably, God accomplishes his sovereign will through us and includes us in his plan.  Somehow, he manages to carry-out his perfect plan using imperfect people. In fact, if I were to sum-up the book of Genesis in two words, it would be, "God's providence". The book of Genesis is all about the sovereignty of God. 

Contrast Jacob's life with the life of his son, Joseph. Joseph is a "type" of Christ - and we can draw many examples of the Gospel through the story of his life. The Bible never accents his sinful life, but highlights his impeccable character...like when he runs away from the temptation of Potiphar's wife in the face of imprisonment. He also shows great character through suffering and through prosperity. He becomes second in command of all of Egypt, but it never seems to go to his head. 

But Joseph endured suffering like any other Bible character!  Why is that?  He doesn't seem to deserve all that happened to him.  He usually made very wise decisions and always gave honor to the Lord, but he also went through tremendous trials.

So, Jacob suffered and Joseph suffered. But did Joseph deserve his suffering?

As a pastor, I go on my own personal quarterly prayer retreats. I fast and get away from everyone for an entire day and just be with God. My last prayer retreat took me to the mountains and I found a quiet spot to pray and meditate. God was quiet with me for several hours.  I tried praying, but my thoughts were plagued with self-pity...I felt so inadequate to serve him like he wants me to.

Eventually, I happened to look at the large tree next to me - I don't know, 120 feet tall, or so? It was huge and I was thinking that if this thing were standing next to a road, even a big truck would not survive a collision with its massive trunk. Then I reached out and started pulling off the loose bark. The bark easily crumbled in my hand. I wondered, “how could this massive, strong tree be so fragile on the outside?”.

Then God spoke to me, "That's what it's like with you. You are like that fragile, outside part. You are only strong because of me inside you. People will see you as a strong tree, only because I am with you."

A few minutes later, I looked to my right and noticed a dead tree which had fallen to the ground many, many years ago. I reached out and grabbed a branch – which easily broke off in my hand. Then God spoke to me again, "That's what you would be like without me. You will be dead and fragile like this fallen tree without my strength inside you."

The enemy wants us to focus on ourselves and feel regret, but we know that God is our strength. God will work his wonderful plan through our lives if we let him.  We need to forget the past and believe that since God began a good work in us, he will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. We need to abide in him. He is the vine and we are the branches.

Tim Shaner – July 2013

 (This article highlights my preaching series through the book of Genesis which was completed in the Summer of 2013. My sermons originate from Roots Family Church - Lake Elsinore 951-764-7642.  Follow my blog at http://goodtreasure.blogspot.com/)