Articles by Dr. Paul Cannings
If God allowed you to be in Joseph’s place, would you be able to forgive? Our response is dictated by our perspective. In order words, if Joseph focused on what his brothers did to him, especially since they never sought to find him, the circumstances may seem overwhelming. When Joseph reflected on what his brothers did, he cried repeatedly. However, when Joseph focused on what God did for him and what God’s plan was for His people, Joseph was better able to remain focused. “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God …….” (Genesis 45:7-9; NASU) Believing Romans 8:28-29 is more than a notion, especially in the case of Joseph; “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It seemed like Joseph’s life was a wreck while it was being blessed.
The news is dominated by all that has taken place in Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda soldiers have swooped in and for their religion and love for their country, they have gained control of Afghanistan. What they are doing to their own country, men, and women is hideous, disgusting, and Satanic. They have been out all night, forsaking their jobs, families, committed to risk their lives to institute the beliefs of their religion. Let me be clear, NOTHING about serving God, and evangelizing the world requires us to function as they have, NOTHING. Their dedication, however, to their cause is unending, and if we had the same dedication, like the disciples had, we would change the world and protect it from being destroyed by Satan.