“…because God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” – Genesis 41:52

Written by: Melissa Bell

In my morning devotion, I came across this verse whose first part references the name Joseph gave his second son that in Hebrew means “fruitful.” “The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.’”

The verse prompted me to take inventory of suffering I have endured throughout my lifetime – some of my own accord and some thrust upon me by broken people. Laden with grief, I slowly plucked each memory from its resting place, sifting through the mess, searching for the fruit in affliction that Joseph speaks of. 

My Mother’s sudden death came to the forefront. The grueling process of planning a funeral, writing an obituary, sorting through the aftermath. Grieving the loss of a parent and the finality of it was overwhelming. But as I reflected on this tragedy, I was able to see God’s goodness in it all; from the comforting friends He sent to be by my side to the mercy He showed to my mother, that she would no longer live with the agony of addiction, God was with me every step of the way.

How many of us are akin to such sorrow? Divorce, prodigals, betrayal, death; not one of us is exempt from grief this side of heaven.

But. God.

Oh, how He will mend our hearts and lead us into a deeper understanding of His glory if we allow Him to. Just as he did with the loss of my Mom.

The lessons that are learned, the strength that is gained, the faith that is built in these times of trouble, I wouldn’t trade a single one. Resilience, perseverance, grace, mercy, all taught and tested through the trials of this life. Each hardship leads to a hallelujah in God’s kingdom.

“You do not realize what I am doing, but later you will understand.” – John 13:7

This promise is why we cannot give in to hopelessness. Instead, we must rest in the truth of God’s Word, keeping our eyes on Him; we persevere to the end, knowing that God is at work in and through it all.

“Father, give me Your divine power…Give me the strength to wait for hope – to look through the window when there are no stars. Even when my joy is gone, give me the strength to stand victoriously in the darkest night and say, ‘To my heavenly father, the sun still shines.’” – George Matheson

If you are facing the unimaginable, may you search for God, cling to His promises, and dwell in His presence every step of the way.  And when you do, you too will be fruitful in the land of your affliction.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021
For Such a Time as This…
Speaker: Macon Newby