Seeing God’s Hand in the Storm
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:9-16 (Joseph's witness)
Cowboy Wisdom: Any old cowhand will tell you that storms come with the territory. You can't control the weather, the market, or when a ornery bull decides to charge. But a seasoned cowboy learns to see God's providence even in the lightning and thunder.
Joseph got thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and tossed in prison. That's enough bad luck to make a cowboy hang up his spurs. But Joseph never gave up on God or God's dreams for his life. Like a rider staying in the saddle during a bucking bronco ride, Joseph held on through every wild twist and turn. He could have become bitter, angry, and vengeful. Instead, he kept his heart soft toward God and chose forgiveness over revenge.
Years later, Joseph told his brothers the truth that every Christian cowboy needs to remember: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." God was working the whole time, even when Joseph couldn't see it. The same God who guided Joseph through slavery to second-in-command of Egypt is guiding you through your troubles today. Every pit, every false accusation, every prison cell in your life—God can use it all. He's not just making the best of a bad situation; He's orchestrating something beautiful that you won't fully understand until you look back from the other side. Trust the process, even when it hurts.
Questions for Reflection:
What "pit experience" in your past can you now see God's hand at work?
How do you respond when life throws you from the saddle? Do you stay bitter or trust God's bigger plan?
Who do you need to forgive, trusting that God can turn their evil intentions into good?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for being present in your hardest seasons, even when you couldn't feel Him. Pray for eyes to see His hand at work in current difficulties. Ask for a forgiving heart like Joseph's.
