Recognizing the Patterns in Your Life!

How do you react when trouble comes your way? How do you cope when friends betray you? What do you do when your talents and gifts go unrecognized? You may react in a number of ways. You may decide that maybe God does not love you. You may get bitter and plan vengeance on your enemies. You may carry a grudge and be a foul smelling aroma wherever you go or you may even decide to give up hope, thinking that all is lost. We all know these are inappropriate and unproductive ways of dealing with life issues. When we react in this manner, it only leads to pain and regret in the long run. So the question is, how should we cope with our troubles and how should we interpret these “patterns” that God brings and allows to show up in our lives. As you know, we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. The way to respond to our troubles is by recognizing our life patterns. Everyone’s life has a pattern. Let us look at a biblical example. The story of Joseph from the book of Genesis chapter 37 typifies such a pattern. The pattern of his life was “betrayal.” He was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. This betrayal led him to the household of Pharaoh, where he was favored by Potiphar. Then again at Potiphar’s house he was betrayed again by Potiphar’s wife and this led to his promotion to prison. While in prison, he was favored again by God and he met two men who he helped to interpret their dreams. One of the men eventually was instrumental in telling Pharaoh about Joseph’s gift. This announcement led to Joseph’s final promotion to second in command of Pharaoh’s throne. As you can see, every time that Joseph got betrayed, it was a step to his promotion. Jesus’ life was characterized by betrayal as well. He was betrayed by his own people and by one of his disciples. This led to His victory and exaltation. Every story in the bible is for our learning and edification. From Jesus’ and Joseph’s life we learn that there is a pattern to life and we need to recognize those patterns in our own lives. In examining my life, I found the pattern to be “counterfeits.” Before God opens the door to my blessings, counterfeit ones seem to show up first. So, I have now learnt to praise God and rejoice once I recognize these counterfeits. I know that the real blessings are right behind. How about your own life? Have you taken the time to examine your life and to recognize these very important clues? If you have not, let me encourage you to start. No more will you be despondent, discouraged, desperate or in despair when trouble comes in all its various forms. You can now start to see things from a godly rather than a human perspective. You can gain control over your own emotions and destiny. You can be empowered through trials and tribulations without falling apart. You can embrace the path God has predestined for you. He has given you every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. In Him you are more than a conqueror, in Him you are complete, in Him you have peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in Him you have dominion over all things and in Him you have possessions and riches beyond your comprehension. Take a hold of who you are in Christ. Rejoice in your troubles and recognize the patterns in your life for your salvation is nigh!