playing with a full deck

How many times have you said to yourself, "life's not fair", "if only I had this...", or "if only this would happen...".

My life, and your life, is it.  This is the hand you have been dealt.  There are things in life you and I cannot control.  My circumstances, or yours, are there and now we have to make a choice.  We either deal with it and flourish, or whine about it and drown in self pity.

In the book of Genesis we learn of a man named Joseph.  In chapter 37, we learn that his father favors him over his brothers, we also learn that he has dreams that clearly foreshadow him being leader over his brothers.  Joseph shared this with his brothers which makes them even more jealous.  Towards the end of the chapter his brothers are plotting to off him, but at the last minute his brother Judah talks his brothers into selling Him into slavery.  That is Card number 1.

While in slavery Joseph is sold to Potiphar (chapter 39), while there Potiphar's wife became fond of him and wanted to sleep with him.  Joseph refuses and she cries "rape".  Joseph is falsely accused and put in prison.  that is Card number 2.

While in prison (chapter 40) Joseph interprets dreams for a couple of men that worked for the Pharaoh, Joseph asked that in return that the chief cupbearer mention Joseph favorably to the king, to which he does not.  That is card number 3.

Three really bad cards that where dealt to Joseph:  Sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned and forgotten about.

The interesting thing about each  and every situation is that in everything He did, He flourished at it:

Genesis 39:2, "the Lord gave him success in everything he did". (while he was a slave)
Genesis 39:23, "the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did".  (while in prison)
Genesis 41:39-40, "The Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.  You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders.  Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." (when everyone had forgotten him)

Joseph story is not unique, we are all dealt with difficult circumstances.  How we deal with them shows our true identity and how strong our faith is.

Reality is in much of life we cannot change the cards we have been dealt, however we can change how we react and deal with them.

The choice is yours.