Genesis 40, Job 24, Mark 15:1-32

What God said to me – If I never answered your prayers the way you wanted Me to, would you still love Me and serve Me?  Do you have peace and joy because your life is good or because of your relationship with Me?  The answer to those two questions says a lot about your walk with Me and your maturity as a believer.  If you are up and down based on how I answer your prayers then you need to stop and examine yourself.  Where is your trust?  What is the basis for your faith?  When I don’t “come through” on a particular prayer when you think I should, your response says volumes.  When you truly believe in My sovereignty and in My desire to do what is best for you, then your response should always be the same.  Trust.  Joy.  Can you say with Job, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away – blessed be the name of the Lord?

Genesis 38-39, Job 23, Mark 14:43-72

What God said to me – When you are overcome by sadness and feeling like your prayers will never be answered look up – look up to Me.  I have not abandoned you and I never will.  I have already answered your prayer and you will see it and experience it at the proper time.  I always do what I say I will do and what I do is for your good and My glory.  I will perform those things that are appointed for you so trust Me.  This darkness you feel is momentary because joy will come as you walk with Me and trust Me.  Joy is never based on your circumstances but is based on Me.  As you look to Me and trust My word you will feel the darkness pass and the joy return.  Turn your focus to Me and away from your concerns.  Worship Me and you will gain new perspective.

Genesis 37, Job 22, Mark 14:1-42

What God said to me – You must learn not to judge people, even yourself, by the good and bad things that happen.  The natural tendency is to think when something bad happens you are being punished and when something good happens you are being blessed.  You must remember that My ways are not your ways.  Look at Joseph, Job, and Jesus.  Each one had really bad things happen to them and yet none of it was for punishment.  I used each “bad” thing to teach them or to move them where I wanted them to be so I could accomplish My purposes and fulfill My plan.  I was glorified in each one as they accepted My sovereignty in their lives and they cooperated in accomplishing My purposes.  Godliness is not just the result of actions, but of attitude and heart.  I work all things together for your good.