Made for This Momentናሙና

MADE FOR THIS MOMENT: JOSEPH

Prepared

WARM-UP

“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.’”Genesis 50:19-20

ON THE PITCH

Joseph's story resembled a turbulent path that required unfailing trust and daily obedience to God's calling on his life. One moment he was betrayed and sold into slavery by his family; the next, he was promoted to overseer of an Egyptian master. One moment he was falsely accused and imprisoned; the next, he was a dream interpreter, which gave him a seat at the right hand of the Egyptian pharaoh. Here he would help not only Egypt but surrounding nations through a severe famine. Through all this came a reunion with his family… the family who had betrayed him. This was his moment to avenge himself. Yet instead of seeking revenge, he embraced and forgave them because he knew that God's favor was with them and that what might have been "meant for evil, God meant for good" (Genesis 50:20).

How did someone who faced so much pain and betrayal have such strength to go through those trials and maintain a God-centered perspective in the process? To the human eye, Joseph experienced an enormous amount of suffering. Yet, God allowed those things to happen not only for Joseph’s own personal growth but to mold him into the leader and person of faith needed to lead nations out of times of trouble. Joseph had to go through those trials to be equipped and prepared for the moment God made for him.

This World Cup is the biggest and, by far, the most widely covered women's soccer event to date. You each have taken unique journeys and have unique stories that have prepared you for this moment. Like Joseph, you have experienced extreme highs and lows to get exactly where you are today. You have had times of being in or out of favor with the coach, fighting confidence battles daily, playing a different role than you are used to, dealing with injuries, battling with the immense pressure placed on you, or feeling just plain weary from the blood, sweat, and sacrifice it has taken to get to this point. Rest assured that the Lord is with you wherever you find yourself today. This stage and this platform are ready for you to shine and walk in the moment God has for you. Regardless of Joseph’s circumstances, “The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served…” (Genesis 39:2). Rely on Him wherever you find yourself and draw on His presence and power so that you can keep your eyes fixed on the Author and Perfector of your faith through this tournament. Your journey and your experiences have shaped and prepared you for such a time as this.

EXTRA TIME

Romans 8:28, 1 Peter 1: 6-7

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for this moment. You have written my story. There are no mistakes. Through my journey, You have prepared me for a time like this. Help me to remember that You are sovereign and are in complete control no matter where I find myself. Remind me to lean on You in the highs and lows throughout this tournament. Allow me to fully LET GO of whatever is hindering me and LET GOD be magnified in it.