Within His Safe Embrace

Everyday, I get a front row seat watching my husband father our daughter with an immense amount of grace. While our daughter, Noelle, is only one year old, she loves to take risks. Her favorite activity consists of bravely falling from high places into her father’s arms. As risky as it may seem, she has peace about the outcome. As she freely falls backwards, giggles of excitement fill the air at the anticipation of her father catching her within his embrace. I’ve noticed this extending past a mere trust fall. Frequently, I see my daughter’s demeanor change when she knows her father is with her. It is as if she has internally concluded, “If he is with me, I will be cared for, even in the stickiest of situations.” No matter where Noelle is, if she can look up and see her father’s reassuring eyes staring back, all is right in the world.

I believe this paints a beautiful portrait of God’s relationship with His children. In this week's reading, we journey through Joseph's story. Joseph was the first born of Jacob and Rachel. It is made clear that Joseph was not only favored by his earthly father, but his Heavenly Father above.

While Joseph was Jacob’s beloved son, his brothers were extremely envious to the point of selling him into slavery. However, in spite of his circumstances, God was ordering his steps.

​As I read Joseph’s story, I’m in awe of how God showed Himself to be faithful time and time again. During the time Joseph was sold into slavery, he was made overseer by his master because his master saw that the Lord was with him. Despite being falsely accused by his master’s wife and thrown in prison, the Lord made it clear that He was still with Joseph by elevating him to be in charge of all the prisoners. While in prison, God used Joseph to interpret dreams. Ultimately, this led him to interpret King Pharaoh's dream. By this act, King Pharaoh knew the Spirit of God was in Joseph and he placed him second-in-command. In spite of every situation Joseph found himself in, God showed up.

Friend, did you know that this is the same God that is with you? He is with you in the middle of financial hardships; He is with you as you battle that health condition; He is with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one; He is with you on the hardest days of parenting, and He will continue to show Himself faithful. In the midst of turmoil, I am reminded of Isaiah 58‬:‭11 which states, “the Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Never forget you are His beloved child. Whatever season of life you’re in right now, take that leap, knowing you will fall into your Father’s arms. If there is ever an inkling of doubt, remember Joseph’s story. Remember that even at his lowest of lows, the Lord guided him, strengthened his frame, and satisfied all of his needs. Place your full trust in Him and watch as He does the same for you.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭11‬

About the Author

Hi there! My name is Jannetta Cox. I am a wife and a first time mom! Currently, I am a full time working mom as a Promotion Research Specialist at the Coca-Cola Company. I love family time, fun outings with friends, and weekend getaways. Lastly (but really first), I love God with all my heart and he is the center of my family. I am thankful for the new life he has given me in him. My prayer is to be a woman who can humbly lead others to Christ however he sees fit! Connect with me at jsamobucox.wordpress.com.