Forget & Be Fruitful

Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” He named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” —Genesis 41:50-52 (NASB1995)

The place of our most difficult hardships can be the very place of our greatest victory and fruitfulness. Patient endurance is what we need. In the time of adversity, when it seems you are being tested in the fiery furnace of affliction, earnestly seek Yahweh. He is our strength and our fortress, our refuge in the day of affliction. Like Joseph, let us forget all of our past troubles. Let go of any resentment, unforgiveness and bitterness. Once we let go of the past, we are ready to receive God’s healing and move forward. As we proceed, may we produce good fruit and walk in all the blessings God has in store for us.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19 NKJV) Hallelujah!