Famine = Peace

“And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

Genesis 41:16

It’s nearing summer time, when the days get hot and muggy and we find ourselves longing for some relief. Some people prefer hotter weather over the cold chill of winter time. Personally, I prefer the cooler weather, at least I think I do; I suppose it would just depend because as I age I find myself preferring different things. Change! My favorite thing…said I, NEVER! 😉

I was reading the Bible today and I read the story about Joseph; that poor guy went through a lot of nonsense which was mostly none of his doing, didn’t he? The only thing I see that he did to put himself on the blacklist was to share his dreams with the wrong folks. He went to a pit, then was sold into slavery, was falsly accused and placed in prison, and was forgotten for a long time by the butler.

Then came Pharaohs dreams followed by Joseph’s call to interpret them, seven years of plenty, then famine.

That just stood out to me so highlighted today. God brought a famine to the land to restore Joseph and deliver him from years of suffering. Joseph was a good sport and never lost his integrity, but goodness, he surely had to be frustrated a lot of days as he continued to do the next right thing. Just think about it, how hard is it for us sometimes? It would sure be easier to kick and scream like a child some days…but that’s not recommended. That doesn’t speak very highly of our trust in the plan of God.

And, sometimes we find ourselves wondering why life is so difficult right now, why we are struggling, why this is happening to me, and what I did wrong. I’ve heard it said many times, “You don’t have to be wrong to be suffering. You could be suffering because you’re doing what’s right.”

We don’t think it should happen that way, do we? It doesn’t seem logical or fair. In fact, if we were honest, we’d admit that it seems like a really cruel joke is being played on us some days. If I’m doing right, then why is it so hard? Whoever said living right and doing what right was always easy, they weren’t truthful. It rains on the just and unjust.

It would seem that if you were doing right, everything should just fall into place and you should be enjoying the reward for making the right choices. Right?! Another phrase I’ve heard often, “Bad things happen to good people” comes to mind. I’m sure Joseph could have thought all these things at one time or another way back in his day. The Bible does say there’s nothing new under the sun. We just get the story of what happened, not every detail, but it’s enough for us to take hope in even in our situation.

So, can I just say that if you feel like you’re in a famine, be of good cheer. There’s hope! We have proof from the Word of God that sometimes a famine can bring us victory and restoration. A famine can actually be good for us! I wonder if Joseph would agree? I think he would, at least after it was all said and done. He was taken out of prison, was promoted to second in command, was able to make a difference in many lives, and his family was restored…all because of a famine.

Wow! That thing we’re dreading…could it be the answer and bring peace?

I’ve been walking this spiritual journey long enough to know that sometimes we go through dry spells, a famine of sorts. We can find ourselves asking “why?” and looking for the wrong step we made to wind us up right here. Famines can feel really intense, inescapable and unending. They can stir up feelings of anxiety, frustration, and desperation. Yes, times of famine definitely aren’t our most favorite times of life. They can be useful though, and work out for our good — and possibly someone else’s.

What if that famine we feel like we’re only surviving through right now is going to be the source of our next victory, the story behind our next testimony, the very step needed to receive that promotion, that necessary step for restoration, or the answer we’ve been praying for?

Remember this verse where Joseph said God would give an answer of peace? How do you get peace from the interpretation of famine?! It was going to bring peace because there would be an interpretation, and with it, Godly wisdom and a strategy for a good outcome. Yes, when we rely on God, we have the hope of security and peace.

The roadmap to overcoming and gaining victory is to keep trusting God every day, remembering He is holding us in the palm of His hand, resting in the fact that His plan is best, knowing He is the Author of our lives, and for us to keep walking in integrity and with determination. That appears to be exactly what Joseph did!

Be encouraged today and let’s try to look at all the possibilities created by that famine we may be experiencing. Of course there is all the bad stuff, but let’s choose to remember the story of Joseph and how a famine was the beginning of another chapter for his life and the life of his family. It even brought peace to Pharaoh. It ended up saving a nation…and eventually led to the birth of our Savior. What will your path bring?

There can be a good outcome from a famine when we know Who is in control and believe that He writes the best strategies and endings to even famines.

I can’t wait to see what our next chapter will be! A little dose of encouragement can create a spark of faith which gives us a bit more anticipation and expectation in the One who cannot fail, and…who knows what else. Are you willing to risk hanging in there for just a little bit longer? To keep doing what you know to do is right? Let’s look at this moment from another angle and just see what God can create out of our famine. After all, He created our world from nothing and man from dirt. He’s a great big, amazing God!

I’ve always heard about God’s upside-down economy. You know, the stuff that seems backwards? What can be more upside-down than famine equaling peace?? Only with God!!!

Are you ready for some victory and restoration? Some peace? I know I am! Let’s dig a little deeper and hold onto the Lord a little tighter…even the famine is for our good. What hope we have available when we cling to the One who does all things well!

Be blessed, my friend ~