Let’s talk about family! Are you someone who avoids family get-togethers like the plague? Too many families are full of drama and bitterness, with a splash of dysfunction. But, take comfort in knowing you are not alone! Everyone has that crazy uncle, the uptight cousin or family feuds that could put TV drama to shame!
I came from a totally dysfunctional family, myself! My parents never worked a single day when I was growing up. They spent their welfare checks on drugs before they fed us. Sometimes dinner was just a piece of Wonder Bread with margarine and garlic salt. And to top it all off, when I was almost 18 years old, I discovered my father wasn’t even my real dad! Talk about drama!
Even my story is nothing like some of the family feuds and dramas we see in the Bible. Seriously, if you are looking for a new drama show to watch, honestly, try reading the Bible. Betrayal, murder, love, war… it has it ALL!
Stories like this, where Abraham goes to his wife’s maid because he couldn’t get his wife, Sarai, pregnant: “So Sarai said to Abram, ‘Now behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” (Genesis 16:2)
Or consider Jacob, father of 12 sons, including 10 who tried to kill their brother, Joseph. Even Joseph, himself, was prideful and arrogant!
King Saul tried to kill his son-in-law, David. (As in, KING David…)
But the thing is, even with all this dysfunction, God used their lives to impact the world. God raised-up Joseph and prospered him. He went from total dysfunction to being the second-most powerful man in Egypt, next to the Pharaoh. David became a very successful king and the hand of God was with him, even when his jealous father-in-law tried to kill him – multiple times!
So, look at your family…
Do your kids fight with each other? Do you not really get along with some of your family members? Have you ever lied, stolen, cheated or made mistakes? If yes, GREAT! First of all, it means you’re human. Secondly, it means you are qualified for God to work through you in a powerful way. Your whole family is qualified!
You don’t have to be “perfect” to do great things. God is not limited by your dysfunction. He is attracted to your faith and pursuit of Him.
If you thought you’d never do something big with your life because of your upbringing, your circumstances or your imperfections, you are SO WRONG!
God has amazing plans for your life. He will perfect His work in you, as you continue to pursue Him!
How has God used you in spite of your dysfunction, your upbringing, your circumstances and your imperfections? I’d love to know! Please leave your comments below!
Then, be sure to tune in for my weekly Spiritual Equipping episode of The Dani Johnson Show today for more biblical insights and inspiration. You can find the show on your TV and radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website. And, you can ALWAYS subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can keep up with all the new content being posted daily!
In great faith,
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“If only I made more money”…”If only I weren’t in debt”…”If only my boss would give me a raise”… Have you ever said (or thought) any of these things? If so, this message is for you! You’re going to discover the REAL answer to your financial problems…and it’s probably not what you think!
I’m sure you’ve heard it’s better to give than to receive – especially true at work. If you only look for what you can REAP, you will miss opportunities to SOW…so if you want to grow, you must GIVE more than you TAKE!
It’s been QUITE a week – and not just because of the “Steve Harvey” show appearance. And although it was such an incredible experience, I want to share three things that REALLY stood out for me!