Category: Faith in the Struggle

Hiding My Beef Stick Wrapper

Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” Genesis 42:21 When I was a kid, my family was camping on vacation one…
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I Resolve to Be More Disciplined

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 In my drug use, I made up my mind a thousand times to stop. I’d clench my fists, pray, and promise God that I’d never…
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Killing My Resentments

Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke roughly to them. Genesis 42:7 Over the years, I’ve had to provide medical care for some patients whom I frankly don’t like and for whom I don’t want to provide care. In the Emergency Room, I’ve had to take care…
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Finding Happiness Again

Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” Genesis 41:51 Today’s blog is about finding happiness, even after tremendous loss. It’s one of those blogs that I feel more than a little inadequate to write. My most significant losses…
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Following God is Dangerous

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:41 Even after nine years of recovery, I still find that I daily struggle with my will against God’s. Even after all he’s done for me, I still want to follow my way. I know how I think…
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Who’s In Charge?

I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:4-5 The problem of pain and suffering is, in my mind, is the greatest argument of the atheist. If God…
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Who Caused My Addiction?

And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. Genesis 41:32 In the struggle of my addiction, I once blamed God. Now, in recovery, I’ve had to accept my responsibility for my disaster and I’m far less quick to lay the fault at…
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Preventative Medicine

There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, but after them there will arise seven years of famine . . . Genesis 41:29 At the end of medical school, I chose to go into Family Practice, but halfway through my residency, I realized I had a problem. Family Practice…
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Merry Christmas!

Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Genesis 41:16 It’s early Christmas morning and as usual, I’m up early alone, reflecting on my thoughts of the last 24 hours. Yesterday, we went to the Vikings game as our family Christmas gift. It was a grand time and,…
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Powdered Donuts, Drugs, or Weightlifting Chalk?

A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. Genesis 41:12 I daily wear scrubs to work and because I go to the gym every morning, I shower and…
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