Rev Michael Anokye: LENT REFLECTION – 2nd March
“STAY LOYAL TO GOD DURING CHALLENGING TIMES.”
PRAYER: My Lord, I pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding. When the storms of life rage around me, please allow me to stand in Your peace. I ask for comfort during life’s trials. When the clouds darken, and the winds blow, may Christ’s hope be the light that guides me. May Your hope, rooted in Your promises and faithfulness, reassure me of Your calm and peace in Jesus. Amen.
NB. Remember to click the Pink Links to access the Scriptures
READING: Genesis 37:18-36 Joseph’s brothers plan to Kill him because he was a dreamer and lied to their parents that a wild animal had eaten him.’ Joseph’s brothers tore off his robe and threw him into an empty cistern, and as they were about to eat, they saw Ishmaelite traders with gum, balm, and resin heading to Egypt. Joseph’s brothers sold him to Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver instead of killing him. They covered up their actions by dipping Joseph’s robe in goat’s blood and presenting it to their father as evidence of his death. Jacob was devastated and mourned for his son, while Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the palace guard.
Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3:8-25
REFLECTION:
Jacob’s sons sold their brother in envy and greed, tearing the family apart. Years later, they encountered Joseph in Egypt as a changed man and repented. Joseph forgave them, just like Jesus forgave those who rejected him, becoming the cornerstone of the building as described in Matthew 21:42.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar II’s image and were thrown into a furnace. God saved them, and Nebuchadnezzar promoted them to high office and issued a decree that anyone who spoke against their God should be torn limb from limb.
The enemy constantly tries to distract and mislead us from the path the Lord has chosen for us. Keep your focus on the Lord, not the waves, and he will guide you safely through the storm. Remember that God can turn your enemies’ schemes into blessings if you remain faithful.
LET US PRAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that You would help me to remain devoted to You so that I may remain faithful during life’s storms. I understand that my faithfulness is not determined by the absence of storms but rather by my willingness to surrender to You during those storms.
When the winds blow, the waves rise, and life’s problems toss about me, I ask that You help me remain steadfast and faithful. I know that my loyalty during the storm demonstrates my trust in You. It means looking past the raging storm and the disturbing waves and fixing my eyes on You.
Lord, I trust that You will be with me during life’s storms, and I ask that You give me the strength to remain faithful and true to You. Thank You for Your love and grace. Amen.
ACTION:
Have you ever faced temptation?
What kind of temptation was it?
How did you overcome it?
Share your thoughts on resisting temptation and praying about it.