Fruitful In Affliction
Genesis 41:52
‘God has made me fruitful in this land of my suffering.’
The Bible story of Joseph is in one of my favourites. The beloved son of Jacob, one with childlike innocence, but greatly despised by his brothers. His hardships were unjust and unwarranted. Every obstacle he faced, from being betrayed to being sold as a slave, from being set up to being imprisoned – seemed never ending. His story moved me, what had Joseph ever done to deserve that? But most importantly, where was God in Joseph's circumstances?
Yesterday, I shared with you the strength and power of God in my weaknesses. At the height of the Covid pandemic, work projects dried up and to top it off, I was stricken with cancer. I was a modern clip of a Joseph situation. And my family were not on the same page with me due to my faith. Chemotherapy also took a toll on me.
However, God did prepare me ahead... out of the blue, I started to sketch and paint before I was diagnosed. ‘The Burning Bush’ was born and became a store house of artworks. I would fill my cancer treatment and shielding time painting green pastures and flower fields, whilst listening to the scriptures. As I painted, joy and hope filled my heart; I wasn’t focused on cancer anymore. These artworks are all expressions of Jesus’s love. Six months is a lengthy time for treatment so I gave them to the NHS team and cancer patients at every chemo visit. ‘The Burning Bush’ became God's store house where the Gospels are expressed and shared. He wants to invite people to himself – because he sees suffering, he sees spiritual famine, he sees you and me.
God gave Joseph gifts he could use too, like interpreting dreams and exercising leadership. Joseph didn’t settle into victimhood. I begin to view my cancer journey as God’s love story. He sees the land of sufferings in all places, including mine. Whilst I was afflicted and ‘imprisoned’ I was also 'sent out'. He didn’t want me or any of us to settle into ‘victim mentality’ when we face trials in life. He replaces fear with faith.
Joseph's story also points to the beloved Son of God, Jesus, as he was sent to suffer the full brunt of humanity’s collective sins and consequential death. As Jesus willingly gave his life for the forgiveness and redemption of many, his suffering produces new, sanctified lives. If He lives, we live.
Reflection – From suffering to fruitfulness, from spiritual famine to the long-awaited feast, from separation to union…there is glory to come.