Devotions

Wait for the Cake

One of my favorite Old Testament stories with one of my favorite Old Testament characters is the story of Joseph.  And it’s his attitude at the end of the story that is so amazing – because he had been mistreated over and over but he kept everything in perspective.  And when he had a face to face with his brothers at the end and it was the perfect time to unload on them – Joseph said this…..

• Genesis 45: 5 - Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me here ahead of you.

And then the capper is chapter 50: 20

• Genesis 50:20 – You meant it for evil – God meant it for good.

A little fellow was telling his Grandma how everything was going wrong; school, family, problems, severe health problems.  Meanwhile, Grandma was baking a cake.  She asked her grandson if he would like a snack, which of course he does.  She said here, have some cooking oil.  He said yuck, and then she said here’s a couple of raw eggs.  He said gross Grandma.  She said well would you like some flour then, or baking soda?  He said grandma those are all yucky.  To which Grandma replied – Yes all those things seem bad all by themselves.  But when they are put together in the right way, they make a great cake.

God works the same way.  Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such a bad and difficult time.  But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order they always work for good of those who love Him and have been called according to his purpose.  We just have to trust Him.  He’s not the God of trouble He’s the God who helps in trouble.  He’s not the God of pain but the God of peace.  He’s not the God of sickness, He’s the God of health.  And even though I personally believe that bad, evil, trouble, and sickness do not come directly to us by the hand of God – there is no doubt that in each and every situation He’s the God who makes good from bad.  If you want to take just one ingredient from the directions here and there then you will always be annoyed, frustrated, and depressed that things aren’t working out the way you wanted them too.  My encouragement to you this week – wait for the cake.