Overconfidence is usually viewed as a negative personality trait. The youthful boasting that Joseph displayed with his brothers was no exception to the rule. His claims that the others would someday bow down to him, coupled with his father's favoritism, led to jealousy and borken family relationships. In the end, his brothers sold him into slavery, cutting him off from his family altogether.
All the suffering Joseph had to go through was due to his dream! How quickly we want to share our dreams with others!? We have to be careful and wise in revealing God-given secrets to others who may not share in our joy or welfare. Often people can become jealous and may create unnecessary hindrances to realizing out goals. Samson is another sad example of the one who revealed his secrets and lost everything in life. Secrets must be kept secret. It may not be appropriate to share them even with close friends, etc.
Throgh years of difficulties and suffering, Jospeh's overconfidence was developed by God into a mature self-assurance.In times of personal struggle, this self-assurance, based on his on his personal knowledge of God, enabled Joseph to ask, "what shall I do now?" instead of "why me, God?"
Joseph's self -assurance made him capable of tackling and succeeding at jobs that most other people would have run away from. His high personal integrity , resulting from his relationship with God and refined throughout his life, took him from the bottom of the social ladder to the top. Because of this, Joseph was in a position to save the young nation of Israel during a time of terrible famine.
Overconfidence without God's perspective will invariably lead us down the pathway to other personal problems and mistakes. On the other hand, self-assurance based on a strong faith in God will enable us to overcome the obstacles we face in life.
Principles to remember:
Our responses to the circumstances we face are more important than the circumstances themselves.
God can mould our weaknesses into strengths.
God can cause good to come out of the evil intentions of others.
So persevere in spite of various trials and testings in life, to realize your dream and vision. The best is yet to come! Never give up because others don't appreciate or approve of your goals. Don't be discouraged when you face opposition from others while pressing towards your God-given goals and plans. Remember what God shows and begins in your life, He will bring it to pass and ultimately you will win.
Be Encouraged,
A.Othniel
(www.aothniel.net)
| ><> Letter # 39 (6. 12. 2009) <>< |
0 comments:
Post a Comment