Dear Friends,

Do we meet Christ in our everyday lives? I believe we do when our hearts are attentive. Let me give you an example. One rainy, cold day, I rushed into the drugstore for a few essentials. Though all three registers were open, I placed my items at the far-right one. The clerk stood at the far left and gave me a look that said, “without words, “I’m not walking down there. If you want to check out, you’ll need to come to me.” I gathered my items and relocated to her station. She retrieved my prescription, then began ringing me up at the middle register—so I moved again.

I felt the eyes behind me watching this awkward shuffle. I chose not to react, playing the part of a sweet, clueless lady. As she smirked, watching me juggle my umbrella and bags, I simply smiled and said, “Have a good day.”

That was my encounter with Christ—not in a vision or miracle, but in the quiet decision to respond with grace. In that moment, I felt a glimpse of what He felt: misunderstood, dismissed, treated harshly. These moments come to all of us. And we have a choice—to retaliate, or to reflect Him.

The way of Christ may look weak to the world, but when we hold our peace, His kindness shines through. What feels like an inconvenience becomes a divine encounter. Pride dies, and in its place, we rise—carrying the fragrance of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:15–16)

Jesus was never unaware. He saw through every scheme, knew every hidden motive, and discerned the hearts of those who sought to entrap Him. Yet He chose the path of surrender, appearing weak in the eyes of men, and was led like a lamb to the slaughter. Why? For a greater purpose: the salvation of all humanity. Should our approach to life be any different? If we claim to follow Jesus, we must also follow Him to His Cross—our cross—meaning we respond as He would to situations rather than react from our human nature.

Look at Jesus, our role model, in Hebrews 12:2-3: “His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures.” (TPT)

Navigating strong opinions and prideful attitudes can be challenging, as they often stir tension. In those moments, we face a choice: fuel the fire or draw from the living water within us to bring peace. 2 Timothy 2:4 reminds us, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” (NLT)

Fire doesn’t extinguish fire. Arguments only deepen division. Spiritual battles aren’t won with earthly weapons—they’re won with grace. Romans 12:18-21 calls us to overcome evil with good: feed the hungry, offer drink to the thirsty, and leave vengeance to God. Kindness disarms hostility.

This isn’t about tolerating abuse—it’s about responding to everyday friction with spiritual strength. In conflict, we’re invited to be a well of living water, quenching the fiery darts of the enemy with peace, patience, and love. (Ephesians 6:16)

THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

Our loving Father permits painful circumstances—not to harm us, but to refine our trust in His goodness and timing. These trials become sacred tests of faith, revealing whether we truly believe He will deliver and reward those who remain faithful. Isn’t that what happened to Joseph? (Genesis 29–49)

Joseph was rejected by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and cast into prison—forgotten for years. His suffering wasn’t the result of poor choices, but of others’ selfishness and cruelty. Yet through it all, God was working…

UNEXPECTED AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

“Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household; he became ruler over all the king’s possessions.” Psalm 105:17-21 (NLT)

Notice the first line that says God “sent someone ahead of them.” At first glance, it sounds like a diplomatic mission, maybe a messenger bearing gifts to prepare the way for Israel. But the reality is far more visceral: the one sent was Joseph, and his arrival came through betrayal, bondage, and suffering.

There’s a profound lesson here. Joseph was indeed God’s ambassador—but not in the way we might imagine. He didn’t arrive with fanfare or favor. He arrived in chains. And yet, he fulfilled his divine assignment with quiet strength and unwavering faith. He worked diligently. He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t demand justice, and he didn’t allow himself to become bitter. He simply trusted.

“…God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

1 Peter 2:19-21 (NLT)

Joseph’s story is more than history—it’s a guidepost. It reminds us that how we respond to injustice, mistreatment, and delay reveals the depth of our faith. If Joseph—and Jesus—didn’t rush to vindicate themselves, maybe we don’t need to either. The path is hard, but it’s holy. And it’s already been walked ahead of us.

PURPOSE IN THE PAIN

Although Joseph’s journey was marked by suffering, itall served a purpose: it was a divine strategy to shape his character and prepare him for leadership, saving many lives from death by starvation.In Genesis 50:20, Joseph reveals God’s purpose for his pain. Finally facing the brothers who had betrayed him, he spoke with divine clarity: “You meant to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this place so I could save many lives.” (NLT)

Moreover, we see the blessing and favor upon Joseph’s life as he names his firstborn son “Manasseh”, meaning “to forget”. Joseph reveals his intentions for this name in Genesis 41:51, “‘God has made me forget all the trouble that my father’s family has given to me.’” (GNT)

The name Manasseh reflects Joseph’s healing from past trauma—betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and imprisonment. Note: Joseph wasn’t denying his past; he was declaring that God had softened its sting. Here are some takeaways:

• God heals wounded memories: Manasseh’s name is a living reminder that painful experiences don’t have to define us. In biblical terms, “forgetting” often means no longer being controlled by the past.
• Forgiveness precedes fruitfulness: By naming his son Manasseh, Joseph signaled forgiveness toward his family—even before their reunion.

THE DIVINE PATH FORWARD

1 Peter 3:9-12 affirms that when we respond to evil with blessing and hold fast to righteousness, we align ourselves with God’s path to freedom and favor.

“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” (NLT)

If you feel trapped by injustice, as Joseph did, this passage gives you clear directions for the path forward! Let’s break it down so we can study it a little better!

• Do not repay evil with evil—resist the urge to retaliate when wronged.
• Do not respond to insults with insults—choose restraint and grace over reactive words.
• Respond to mistreatment with a blessing—speak life and kindness—even when it’s undeserved.
• Guard your speech—avoid speaking evil or deceit; let truth and love shape your words.
• Turn away from evil—reject harmful actions, thoughts, and habits.
• Do good intentionally—seek opportunities to act with integrity and compassion.
• Pursue peace actively—Don’t just hope for peace—search for it and work to preserve it.

These are practical steps we can take right now. Will they sting? Yes, because they confront our pride and selfish ambition. This is what it means to “carry our cross” or to “die daily” as the Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:31. In other words, what we are called to do will cross our natural instincts, yet it is the path to overwhelming victory in every circumstance!

Jesus never overlooks our suffering. Like Joseph, when we are wounded or wronged, we are drawn into a place where Christ meets us—not to leave us as we are, but to shape us into His likeness and align us with His calling. In those moments, our earthly trials are reframed through heaven’s lens, and what once felt heavy begins to carry eternal weight and meaning. And through it all, we emerge not only refined—but stronger, steadied by grace, and able to walk in greater purpose.

In His Loving Name,

Life With Father Ministries

If you are not sure where you will spend eternity (and by the way, there are only TWO places of eternal residency—with Jesus or without Him!) Today, without putting it off another minute, why don’t you make your future certain and secure?

PRAYER FOR SALVATION

Dear Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I need forgiveness. I accept your sacrifice on the cross as payment for my sins. I ask you to forgive my sins and come into my heart, make me a new person, and give me eternal life. I ask that you would be my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord, for giving me newness of life! Amen.