The Pit

I finished a book by Beth Moore a few weeks ago titled "Get out of that Pit".  It had some very good  points.  I can relate right now to being someone who has been "thrown into" a pit by someone else's hands.  Some days I feel like I am holding onto my positive outlook, focusing on God's word, praying, listening to music and other days I have just fallen backwards into the pit again and am struggling to get out.  Yesterday was a pit day.  Thank God it was also a therapy day.  I have the best therapist- it is such a huge blessing. I think the biggest message that I took away from that book is to not look at the devastations in our lives as a "why me?" situation but more as something that God specifically chose for our lives to make us better people.  He specifically chose me to endure and learn from this experience so that I can use it to grow towards him and give to others.  I have a couple friends that read the bible last year and I thought it was a good year for me to study his word- this is when I need it the most.  I finished reading Genesis recently and the story of Joseph, with his "fancy coat", is part of that book.  It begins with Joseph being thrown into a pit by his brothers, who intended to leave him for dead but eventually sold him as a slave.  What pain he must have felt being treated with such disregard by his own family.  After many years Joseph is a rich and powerful man who has helped his nation and is accidentally reunited with his brothers, the story ends with Joseph saying "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don't be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children". And Joseph reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:20-21)
We just received the temporary child support papers in the mail this week, outlining how much money she will be taking out of his check.  I feel like Joseph.
Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.