God

God

Joseph is a fruitful tree, a fruitful tree beside a fountain. His branches reach over the wall. He has been attacked by archers, who shot at him and harassed him. But his bow remained strong, and his arms were strengthened by the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. May the God of your ancestors help you; may the Almighty bless you with the blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the earth beneath, and blessings of the breast and womb.

Genesis 49:22-25

Almighty (El Shaddai) is one of the names given to God in the Old Testament. It means “sufficient and mighty,” acknowledging God as a source of blessing. This name for God appears in the accounts of two particular Old Testament characters, Joseph and Ruth, who led very difficult lives.

I suppose it’s not too hard to think of God as sufficient, all-powerful, and a source of blessing on sunny days when we’re healthy, there’s money in the checking account, and our kids are doing well. But what about the gloomy days when it feels like the rug has been pulled out from underneath us?

Joseph was left in a pit and traded for money by his brothers, taken to a foreign country, falsely accused, and sent to jail. And yet he acknowledged God’s power and later experienced his blessings—wisdom, a high position of influence, responsibility, the ability to interpret dreams, a wife and children, relief from famine, and a miraculous reunion with his brothers and father that only God could have orchestrated.

Ruth didn’t have it easy either. Her husband and father-in-law died, leaving her and her mother-in-law as widows who struggled for existence. But after Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law, God blessed Ruth with a husband and eventually gave them a son who became the grandfather of King David!

The next time we face a difficult day and struggle with seeing God as sufficient, all-powerful, and full of blessing, perhaps we would be wise to read the stories of Joseph and Ruth and be encouraged anew by God’s almighty power.

Father,

Thank you that you left us with accounts of people who dealt with difficult circumstances and found your mighty power to be more than just enough. They were blessed abundantly, and we are too. Amen.