There are a lot of things that mars, causes pain and anguish in the lives of men. These things ought not to be, especially if you understand to some extent the mysteries of life and that all things will always work together for the good of those that trust God and believes that God loves them, would not fail them. This fact makes them believe that no matter the challenges they are going through or may be facing, they must come back smiling. I must acknowledge that when these contrary and strange happenings starts coming your way, it usually has within it the potential to destroy and possibly dampen your highest hopes and desires if not managed properly and rightly but if you can look beyond the present predicament, there will always be joy springing forth out of your innermost being like the television commercial energizer “Barney,” who is never sad or tired.
As I contemplated over the ills in society, the story of Joseph (the dreamer) and his brethren in the Bible quickly impressed on the tablet of my mind because, it adequately narrates the importance of looking beyond the present tempest of life: knowing that there will always be hope at the end of the tunnel. Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers because they hated him. He found himself in Egypt as a slave to Potiphar (the captain of the guard) and in the course of time was made the head slave (steward) of Potiphar’s house because his master discovered that God was with him and all that was committed to Joseph prospered. The master’s wife later took notice of Joseph because; he was well built and handsome, she asked Joseph to commit adultery with her but he refused because he feared God and had regard for his master. One day, the woman grabbed the hem of Joseph’s garment to force him into yielding to her demands but he fled from her, leaving his raiment (clothes) in her hands and when she discovered that Joseph was gone, she kept the raiment and later showed it to her husband saying, “Joseph came to mock her” and the husband at the sound of this became furious and threw Joseph into prison.
In the prison Joseph met two servants of Pharaoh of Egypt (Mr. President) where he interpreted the dream that was a source of grief to them, which came to pass as Joseph had told them and one of them was killed and the other reinstated to his formal position. Pharaoh later had a dream which none of his wise men and astrologers could interpret and Pharaoh was told of Joseph who was quickly summoned. He interpreted the dream and gave a suggestion which was pleasing to Pharaoh and his nobles; they made Joseph the second in command over the whole land of Egypt. Seven years down the lean, Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream became a reality as there was great famine in the entire world but because of Joseph; there was food in Egypt and Joseph’s brothers who sold him as a slave also came to Egypt to buy food amongst many people. Joseph makes himself known to his brothers and requested by the permission of Pharaoh that his brothers, their wives and children as well as Joseph’s father come take abode (sojourn) in Egypt so that they would not die of hunger and starvation as a result of the famine.
Joseph understood the importance of looking beyond the present predicament; he understood that whatever God created him to achieve, he must become and no matter the problems, challenges, turbulence and tempest that befalls him, he will triumph at last. True to his belief, his brothers still bowed down to him even when they thought to have exterminated him by selling him as a slave. This knowledge made Joseph to provide for his brothers and their families without holding grudges, he told them, they meant it for evil but God has turned it for good. Oh! That the world can have this knowledge today; I believe there would be less war, fighting, competition, tussle for world domination, etc.
Maybe, you are going through tough times, you are being maltreated, misunderstood, molested, walked upon, lied against, abused, etc., but if you can just look beyond the present predicament, you will come out of that situation unscathed: a better you and above all, you will be better prepared to overcome similar situations if they present themselves in the future because, we learn from our experiences. Don’t give into problems and result into dastardly acts that further destroy the well being of the society or even pose a great challenge on your health, leading to the possession of a negative mind set and even death. I have seen women who because of disappointment from their boyfriends or spouse became angry and very bitter, resulting into taking hard drugs and drunkenness which later ended in death. There were speculations that they also attempted killing their boyfriend at many occasions but failed and frustration finally set in and hence, their untimely death. I don’t think they were supposed to die that early but they refused to see beyond the present situation. They thought that that was the end of life but life is full of ups and downs, you go through tough times once a while but you always learn from such experiences if you go through such challenges with a positive mindset. May God help us to endure hardness when it comes in Jesus Name.
My admonition is that we always see the good in others and never be the reason for the downfall of anyone because, I see people always commenting about the bad things done by people but never talk about the good things they do. They never realize that it is by starting with the good things that you can be able to advice the person on how to change the bad things you see them doing. Let it be your goal that others succeed and live better lives around you. Don’t ever allow resentment, envy, jealousy, and backbiting to become the result of your life: for if these things take center stage in your life, they will cause you to be retarded in life and your potentials, talents and abilities may remain untapped (unutilized) because, you are not concerned about discovering your true self but are bothered about the progress of others. Even when the future seems oblique and the possibilities seems maligned; don’t ever give up. Look up to God who will never allow you to fail in life because, he has great plans for your life: plans of good and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made thus, never allow people to determine your disposition by their conduct around you (be it offense or the likes). You are made for more; discover that which gives you joy and follow hard after it. Always look beyond the now because, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step and always believe that you can never fail and you will discover that you will make it in your newly found dream. Work honestly and righteously, don’t cut corners and remember to have patience in all you do: for there will always be hope at the end of the tunnel.
Please, let me have your thoughts on this subject of having patience and believing that things will work in your favour in the end. Also, like and share the article, if you found it interesting. Thank you
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