Even when we feel we have a vision from God that we are passionate about making happen, we can still find ourselves in a 'cistern moment'.

Genesis 37:1-36

Reference:  v.23-24a  So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe - the richly ornamented robe he was wearing - and they took him and threw him into the cistern. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  When Joseph was attacked by his brothers and sold to a group of travelling foreigners, we only hear the story from his brothers point of view.  But I'm sure we could have a pretty good guess of what was going through Joseph's mind as he sat at the bottom of that water cistern.  He was certainly a far cry away from those glorious dreams which represented his brothers and his parents bowing down to him.  The hurt, the fear, the pain and the betrayal must have been extreme.

Application:  When we have a goal or a vision we can be quite determined about reaching the final result.  However, as we go along we often find the path ahead of us has many peaks and troughs.  Even when we feel we have a vision from God that we are passionate about making happen, we can still find ourselves in a 'cistern moment'.  The kind of moment where everything seems to have been turned on it's head and there is no way out.  Throughout Joseph's journey he had numerous cistern moments.  But he did not allow that stopping him from continuing his journey and doing his best - whether he was in a throne room or a cistern!  What a challenge for us to do the same.  Even when we find ourselves in a cistern moment we are still called to be faithful and represent God in our words and actions.

Prayer:  Lord, sometimes the cisterns seem so deep that there feels like there is no way out.  Help us to be faithful to You and be Your light to this world.  Amen.

When have you experienced a 'cistern moment'?  

Linda Bailey is currently away.  I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.