By Tijuana J. Williams
We have all seen car tags with missing vowels, right? If you are like me, you’ve often driven away still unsure of the tags meaning. That’s because the absence of vowels creates misunderstanding and confusion. Well, over the next couple of weeks, I want to share with you how these simple letters can help us understand many things about life. I believe God wants to do some unprecedented things this year for us. Yes, I know we are more than halfway through the year. Yes, I know unforeseen circumstances have left you in a place you never thought imaginable. Yes, I know you have had struggles, both publicly and privately, that seem unending. But I believe if you dig your heels in and commit to not looking back, the remainder of 2016 could yield a great unexpected return! But it all begins with the catchy preschool tune….A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y.
So let’s go!
“A” is for ATTITUDE
As I think about the vowel A, I marvel at the attitude of Joseph. Joseph was thrown in a pit and sold into slavery by the very brothers his dream revealed would one day bow to him. Joseph was then sold again to a man who had him wrongfully imprisoned because of lies told by an adulterous women. While in prison, Joseph helped a man, who once freed, forgot to put in a good word for him. Then, after Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, he was freed and promoted but left to make a decision that would put his heart and head at odds. His own brothers, the ones who started this downward spiral in Joseph’s life, now stood before him in need. The very ones who were covetous and conniving were now hungry and helpless and Joseph was their last resort.
What would you have done in this situation?
Well, let’s just say I am grateful it was Joseph who had to make the decision. Amazingly, no matter how horrendous life treated Joseph, he kept a positive attitude. Never once do we read in Genesis that Joseph complained or spoke harshly about any of those who mistreated him. His attitude was admirable to say the least. Not only did he help his family, he went above and beyond. He provided food and jobs for them, and they lived on the best of the land all because of Joseph. Joseph did not rely on head knowledge when choosing how to treat those who had mistreated him. His decision was solely based on heart knowledge. And his response reflected the image of God.
This same attitude is the attitude God is working to cultivate in each of us. Joseph’s demeanor was ingrained in dependence. Not self-dependence because in his own power, I am sure Joseph would have responded like many of us. His dependence was in the One who was with him when others deserted him. His trust was in the One whom He had known and believed in since he was a young boy. Joseph’s attitude was consistent with what he knew about His God.
Now I ask….What does your attitude reveal about your God? Do you trust Him to fight your battles? Do you believe He can turn the king’s heart in your favor?
The same God who favored, freed, and promoted Joseph is the same God who is with you today. I challenge you to maintain a positive attitude no matter what. When you do, listen closely. Did you hear that? I think I heard Him say, “Well Done!”
Next week, let’s examine how the vowel “E” influences our day-to-day activities.
For more about Tijuana J. Williams, visit www.sharingmyheartblog.com.
