What is success? I define a successful life as one where you are at peace with yourself and God. Maybe you think it's too late, too impossible or too hard. Read on, because I want to give you an important key to a successful life. (If you haven't read my previous post it would be good to do as as this is a continuation.) I was writing about Joseph, favourite son of Jacob who had a huge future ahead but for many years he suffered; yet through it all Joseph kept heart, was faithful in his given tasks and........ believed in his dream.
Joseph found himself propelled into responsibility as the second highest person in Egypt. He had been found faithful in the small things as he had been prepared for this major role in life. It had required patience, perseverance and holding on to hope. He had trusted God and continued to hope. I believe that as he looked back on the events of his life he could see God's plan and preparation for the famine that came not only affected Egypt but also Canaan where his family lived. I think he was at peace with what his brothers had done and held no bitterness towards them. But that was yet to be tested.
Perhaps you have known betrayal, major disappointment, abuse, been cheated or falsely accused. If it's been done by family members it's all the more difficult to forgive. You may think, "why should I forgive them anyway, they don't deserve to be forgiven. I can live without them." You probably can live without them in your life, and that may be the wisest thing to do. However, you do need to forgive them .......for your own sake!
Why do we think that holding unforgiveness hurts the other person and has no effect on us. It has been said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die!
One day, right out of the blue, Joseph is confronted by 10 of his brothers, the very ones who had sold him into slavery so many years before. They now came on behalf of their father and whole family, begging to be sold grain as their land was in famine and they had no supplies. They bowed before Joseph, just as he'd seen in his dream as a young man. What kind of emotions would you have felt were you in his position? Joseph wasn't ready to reveal his real identity so he spoke harshly to them and accused them of being spies. (Read the story in Genesis 42.) He questioned them about their family to see if they were honest and to find out if his younger brother and father were still alive. Then he set them a test of loyalty and honesty which filled them with fear.
As time went on they passed the test and returned for a second supply of grain. It was then that Joseph finally revealed himself and wept with joy. Why could he weep with joy? Because he had forgiven them. He had seen that God had a plan to save his family (Genesis 45:8)
We will never fully understand God's ways but sometimes he accomplishes them through the most difficult things in our lives. If we learn to see that God can use what we see as injustice or abuse of power or downright unkindness, and we grow in wisdom, grace, peace, joy and love if we will forgive. It is for our sake that we forgive because it allows God to forgive us which will bring us the peace we so need to lead a successful and fulfilled life.
For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. Matthew 6:14 (CSB)
PRAYER: Jesus, you know what it's like to forgive those who abused you, mocked you, beat you and hung you up to suffer and die. You spoke words of forgiveness from the cross in the midst of your pain. Help me to forgive from my heart. Amen
