"Encouraging the Next Generation" 3-31-12

Genesis 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

Joseph had faith in the promises of God, even as he faced his own death. Joseph knew that Egypt had served it's purpose, but was not big enough for the rapid growth of God's people. By faith, Joseph could see the day when the people of God would lay claim to the land that was promised to Abraham. Joseph realized that the purposes of God didn't start or end with him. What if we too would speak by faith concerning the generations to come. This world seems to grow more wicked each day, but can God not raise up a people to show forth His praise and glory? I believe that God can, and God will! I pray that with God's help I will speak, not only into the lives of my peers, but also into the lives of those who will live well beyond me. I'm not afraid to pray that those who come after me will see God do greater things, and will see a greater expansion of the kingdom of God! I don't know how much Joseph actually knew about the future of Israel, but he understood that the same God that used Him could raise up the right people for the mission. And God did just that when Moses came along, and after him, Joshua. Who has God placed in your life to speak into? Don't get discouraged if they have different gifts, and use different methods than you. Instead, speak into their lives with faith. Speak life, not death, and when you are gone, and they experience God's mighty power, they will remember you!