WE LIMIT GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 44-47

"I am God, the voice said, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there." Genesis 46:3 NLT

Joseph was living in the Promised Land.

The land given to his ancestors by God.

Joseph had established roots and a family in this comfortable, abundant place.

He believed he was living out the dream God had placed in the hearts of his father and grandfathers.

He was quite content watching God go about His work in Canaan.

Until the famine hit.

Until the food was scarce.

Until an opportunity for relief came inside the borders of Egypt.

Like us, I don't think Joseph believed God could/would/should work anywhere else.

Think He cannot work outside the church house?

Think He will not work through the most horrific of circumstances?

Think He shouldn't work in 'their' lives?

Think He isn't allowed to work in the dark, dirty, messiness of the far country?

We limit God.

We place Him inside neat, well drawn boundaries.

We expect Him to act in specific and predetermined ways.

We don't look for Him anywhere outside our comfortable, Christian-y places.

And when we limit Him like that--we miss out on seeing Him at work around us!