Genesis 37

Not the Reuben sandwich but the Reubens

The ones who will stand between your enemies and last breath

The ones who will so subtly fight for you

The ones who will forward your name for the promotion

The ones who will slide the positive remarks in

They may not fight lions

Or walk between seas

But they care enough to be uncomfortable when you are

Reuben, one of Jacob’s sons was responsible for preserving Joseph’s life

When the swords were up

Armed and ready to kill

He calmed them down

So calmly and peacefully

He fought for his brother’s life

And planned on saving him from the well when the rest were gone

I am in a position to be a Reuben right now

At work, church, family etc

But I’m I utilizing it? I’m I taking action?

Do I fight for that one colleague that everyone seems to not like?

Do I stand for the cousin that doesn’t seem to fit in

Will I at least calm battles for the secluded while risking my reputation?

Or do I opt for the easy way out – Silence and blending in?

It’s time to rise up and be Reubens.

Risk to be uncomfortable.

Risk to be unliked.

Risk to be secluded from the group.

Risk it for another person.

After all, that person is God’s child.

So, it’s worth it in the end.

Prayer

Dear Lord, give me boldness to speak up when it’s the most uncomfortable. Give me vision to see what you see. To see your grand picture. Give me strength to stand up and risk it all without counting it as a loss but as a blessing. I am here for a purpose and for such a time as this. I can stir up change!

^“ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.  But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Even if He doesn’t come through

Even if He doesn’t show up at my time

Even if I am still crying

Even when I am drenched in sorrow/grief

Even if He tarries

Even if trials come at me from all directions

Even if He doesn’t.

Even if it’s scary

Even if it doesn’t make sense to me

Even if He allows the challenges to stay on longer than I expect

Even if I don’t fit in

Even if I don’t feel accepted

Even if my lingo is different and He’s not doing much

Even if He doesn’t.

Even if I go through the fire 

Even if I walk on a burning surface of trials

Even if He doesn’t pick me from the pit

Even if I don’t get the miracle

Even if He allows me to go through the long stretch

Even if He doesn’t.

Even if he doesn’t will I worship Him?

Will I still praise with gratitude? Will I bow at His feet the same way I do when I feel like I am deep in the pit; in the valley.

Even if He doesn’t, will I serve unbelief and lack of gratitude on my plate?

Father, let my heart posture be like that of Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego.

“But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”