I've been reading in the book of Genesis about the life of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by his bosses wife and thrown into prison, forgotten by pharoh's butler and left in prison. Yet God still blessed his life. Yes, he missed out on many years with his family, but he survived. Yes, he spent much time in a smelly and dark prison, but he survived. He came through with flying colors and God made him ruler over Egypt with authority second only to Pharoh. He was able to save his family during the 7 year famine and he came out a hero. And, his relationship with his God remained intact. His is now enjoying his eternal rewards.<P>The point? Even though what we are all going through seems to be an eternity, the Bible describes our life on earth as a vapor. It is here and gone. In the same way that in childhood, summertime seemed to last forever. Now that we are older, it seems we barely get warmed up when the leaves start turning colors again. After a hundred thousand years in a perfect Heaven, what a trival thing this life will seem to be. Try to see things from an eternal perspective. I know, it's not easy for me either. But this logic seems to be helping me to cope at this time. Thought I'd share it with you. Maybe others can find comfort from this viewpoint.<P><BR>TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS<BR>LOOK FULL IN HIS WONDERFUL FACE<BR>AND THE THINGS OF EARTH<BR>WILL GROW STRANGELY DIM<BR>IN THE LIGHT OF HIS GLORY AND GRACE<P>Thanks to all who have responded to my posts in the past. You have helped me more than you'll ever know.

{{{{{{{{{{<B>hopefull_1</B>}}}}}}}}}},<P>I just love these inspiritational messages... <P>God will bless you too!<P>Jim

Thank you for the very comforting thoughts! That was very helpful to me!<P>~Woozy

Boy did I need to read that!!! The day my world was pulled out from under me I was in church praying for my husband's safe return from a trip (op with him--work related). I also thanked God for such a wonderful husband and devoted father. I haven't been able to walk back into church since. I have continued to pray and have not really lost faith, I just have not been able to return. Thanks for the jolt I need!!!!!

Claudia103,<P>We have a wonderful God. Glad it helped someone else. I'm having to read it over again myself.<P>I sincerely hope you will restore your relationship with God. It's not His fault. Someday you will look back and see that very clearly. You will see His loving hand guiding the circumstances of your life to build character and prepare you for future events. But for now you must have faith.<P>Joseph couldn't have become ruler over Egypt if he hadn't been in prison to interpret the butler's dream. And he wouldn't have been in prison if he hadn't been falsely accused by Potifer's wife, etc... And remember, all of these things were preparing him for the time when he ruled Egypt. He started as a slave to learn to follow instructions. Then he was in charge of Pottifer's household to learn responsibility and leadership. Then he was also put in authority in the prison.<P>God is preparing you for something. Step up to the challenge. Take God's hand and walk through it with your head held high. (I'm crying as I write this because I struggle with this too). We can make it through, but we can't do it without God.<P>"All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me." <P>Good luck to you. Don't give up.<p>[This message has been edited by hopefull_1 (edited February 27, 2000).]