John 16:33 Jesus has overcome the world for us!

This is one of my favourite verses. It is one of the first verses that read as a young adult, seeking the Lord of my own accord. I was astounded. Such things were written in the Bible? God was acknowledging that there are is suffering in the world? Mmmm amazing stuff! I was going through a lot of pain and it comforted me greatly that Jesus said I should be confident,certain and undaunted for He has overcome the world. He has deprived it of power to harm me! I love it, especially from the Amplified Bible. This scripture kept me going in very very difficult times.

Sorrowful Hannah! ... 1 Samuel 1:11 (AMP), 1 Samuel 1:26 (AMP), 1 Samuel 1:27 (AMP), 1 Samuel 1:28 (AMP)

Oh Hannah! I love this, a woman who is pouring out her heart to God. She is not concerned with what the person next to her will think. She is just a woman with a sorrowful spirit - turning to the only comforter she knows - Jehovah God. I know how Hannah is feeling - sorrow has been my food, day and night, for many years.

Really God, Is this me? (Yimi lo?) .... Genesis 41:51 (AMP), Genesis 41:52 (AMP)

Joseph gave his children interesting names charged with meaning. I like that!
Ephraim - God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Mannaseh - God has caused me to forget the affliction of my father's house; What a life Joseph lived, so much pain and suffering - none of which was his fault. Yet he endured patiently through it all.

The day Pharoah set him as second in command he must have thought in amazement "Really God? Is this me?" From being hated by his brothers, to being thrown into a dark pit, being sold into slavery, lies told by Potiphar's wife! God has an amazing plan for each and every one of us! How exciting is that!! Through his children's names, Joseph was able to express his awe and gratitude to the Almighty - though I am sure he said a lot more in his prayers!

I am inspired and deeply moved by Joseph's life. I see a lot of parallels with my own life. I dream a lot. My family jokingly calls me "Josephine the dreamette", after Joseph the dreamer. I am living as a foreigner under difficult circumstances. Affliction and tears are my food and drink day and night. Joseph's story gives me hope! And I can imagine how Joseph himself felt because he had no one's story to give him hope. Joseph was a wise man because he knew he had God. I too should be a wise woman and remember that I have Jesus!

Just like Joseph, Jesus help me to remember that You are with me always, no matter how steep the climb is. I smile now because the future is certain. I will one day look back and say, the Lord has made me forget all my hardship, and He has caused me to be prosperous in the land of my affliction! I will say in wonder, "Really God? Is this me? Yimi lo?" God's plans are to give us all a future and a hope!