The Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them. (Ex. 1:7)
Eight days ago was the day known as Black Friday, touted as the official start of the Christmas shopping season. In a recent year, North Americans spent over $10 billion on Black Friday. That was nearly $400 per shopper. By the end of the Christmas season, the average person had spent nearly $700 on the holidays. Collectively, the total was more than $450 billion. And all of that took place during a supposed economic downturn. It is interesting to see that some things grow in the face of adverse conditions.
The Israelites were like that. Although they had lost their favored status after the death of Joseph, they continued to flourish. Even as slaves, their numbers increased. In spite of every sanction placed upon them by the hostile pharaoh, including an attempted genocide, the people of God continued to thrive. As the apostle Paul would later say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
What negative circumstance seems to threaten your well-being? Are you facing an economic challenge? Does a difficult relationship cause you stress? Are you, or is a loved one, facing a daunting illness? Remember that God does not abandon His own. If God is for you, none can be against you. Regardless of your circumstances, your enemies, or the current economic situation, you can thrive!
Repeat this affirmation three times today: God is good all the time.
Lawrence W. Wilson is a pastor, author, blogger, and avid cyclist from Fishers, Indiana. He is the author of A Different Kind of Crazy (WPH).
