Flying Above the Clouds

 A Series on Living by Faith
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Genesis 50:15-25; Hebrews 11:22

 [Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. At the end of these commendations, Hebrews 12 tells us, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, live “by faith”.]

  

Flying above the clouds is fascinating. The weather can be dark and stormy on the ground, but when your airplane gets above the clouds, it’s bright and sunny. Of course, the trip through the clouds can be pretty bumpy and scary, but through it all, you have the hope and expectation of flying above the clouds.

 

Joseph knew what it was like to live in the dark and stormy weather of the world. His brothers sold him into slavery, and then lied to their father about it. He was falsely imprisoned when Potiphar’s wife accused him of attacking her. While in prison, he interpreted Pharaoh’s cupbearer’s dream, but was forgotten when the cupbearer was released.

 

Despite all of the adversity that he faced, Joseph knew how to fly above the clouds. He knew who was in control. He knew the promises of the Lord, and what his role was in fulfilling them. When Jacob died, Joseph spoke these words to his brothers who had sold him into slavery.

 

²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.    NIV

 

And later when Joseph was about to die, he said this.

 

²⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”         NIV

 

We’re living in unprecedented times when life can easily feel chaotic and overwhelming. The pandemic, racial unrest, political antagonism, economic uncertainty and a frantic pace of life can all lead to feeling like the dark and stormy weather of the world seems to be in control.

 

Take heart. God has a plan. Despite the adversity of the world around you, or whatever adversity you are personally experiencing, God is at work. The Lord has promised to be with you; to never leave you; to love you always so that, like Joseph, you can live by faith; flying above the clouds.