November 18 | Isaiah 30:18

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 30:18

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REFLECTION

Blessings

By Kim Starr

I have been walking in a valley for some time. I don’t like being in this valley. I’ve prayed to God to get me out, but I remained. I asked God to show me why I was there and what He wanted me to do to bring glory and praise to Him, but there was silence.

About a month ago, I slid into a very, very deep canyon, one that was far worse than the valley I’d been in. I still didn’t understand why I was there and I cried out again to God to get me out. He reminded me of Joseph, the boy with the multi-colored coat. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and put him in a pit until he could be sold into slavery. As a slave in Egypt, Joseph gained his master, Potiphar’s, trust and he was put in charge of Potiphar’s household. Potiphar’s wife fancied Joseph and falsely accused him of wrongdoing, which sent Joseph to prison. Even in prison, God was with Joseph and gave him the gift of interpreting dreams. Later, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, including the one foretelling seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed with Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh made Joseph second in command over all of Egypt. I gained strength from God’s reminder as I realized Joseph had been dealt many lows over his life; yet, God remained steadfast and had His hand on him.

I’m still in the canyon. I’m still praying for God to get me out. I’m still waiting and listening. I’m still trying to discern God’s plan. And today, because of this Bible verse, I learned that God longs to be compassionate and merciful to me. He wants me to trust his timing, even in difficult times. I’m to remember that waiting on God is an important part of His purpose. Waiting does not have to be passive; rather, it can be an active reliance on God. And, as I wait, God gives me something: a blessing.

I now know that, while I am in the canyon, and even if I get back to the valley and start up the mountain, I am blessed. God is bestowing on me an intimate relationship with Him. He is inviting me to draw closer to Him, to rely on Him, and to develop my character to reflect His own. Praise be to Him for this indescribable gift!

PRAYER

Listen to the song Blessings which was written by Laura Story after her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While he survived, Laura and her husband came to terms with the reality that their challenges were not a detour, but the road itself. Ask God to show you your road.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.