Every woman faces one major challenge in life

 The words appeared this morning: “Every woman faces one major challenge in life: either she is married to it or she gives birth to it.” Those humorous words caused my wife to laugh…and even me to chuckle though I am on the other end of the joke! But there is much truth in the words. Life presents an awesome series of challenges. And people, both male and female of all ages, represent a high percentage of those challenges.

The story of Joseph, son of Jacob, is an inspiring tale of a man who refused to be overcome by “people challenges.” His OWN brothers sold him into slavery. Oh, how they despised him! He was declared dead by the same flesh and blood…and they probably hoped he was dead. Joseph arrived in Egypt and became a steward in the house of a military officer known as Potiphar. Things began to look up! But not for long. Potiphar’s wife brought a false accusation of attempted rape against Joseph, and he was sentenced to prison. Joseph later helped the king’s cupbearer…and was owed a favor in return but the cupbearer totally forgot him. The result: Joseph was still in prison.

These three challenges were caused by people. Quite honestly, some people are just difficult people and seemingly enjoy being difficult people. It is estimated that difficult people make up 20-40% of the adult population. That’s a bunch of people!

Someone defined difficult people as those who must stand on their head in order to smile. Ouch! Such difficult people have a way of making life difficult for the rest of us. Such difficulties led the comedian Victor Borge to say, “Santa Claus has the right idea—visit people only once a year!” Double ouch! Our church custodian once whispered to me, “Deacon so-and-so is grumbling about the grumblers.” Triple ouch!

Joseph’s greatest challenge in life was dealing with such people. He could have become bitter, withdrawn, resentful, arrogant, and actually a challenge himself. After all, he was human. But he drew near to God and God gave him a soft heart toward people. The story ends with Joseph graciously opening Egypt to care for the same family that sold him into slavery.

My father said to me as a young minister, “Keep a soft heart for as long as you can.” Dad knew ministry is not easy. We need help to minister to people. God’s cure is the filling, fulness and fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) to continually transform us.

Did someone ruffle your feathers today? Or yesterday? Well, join the club. We’ve all been there and done that…because ministry is to people. Jesus understands because He has been there, too. After all, people crucified Him. Yes, He thoroughly understands this part of ministry. Take Him by the hand and pray today for more grace to keep on keeping on. In so doing you can develop the qualities of a Joseph!

 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. Genesis 37:27 ESV

Tom Swartzwelder

Sep 4, 2024 – On September 3, 2024, Tom Swartzwelder completed the race that God had set before him. He is now with Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith.’

Hebrews 12:1-2A

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ at http://www.godsgreenhouse.net. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”