"Grillin' and Chillin'"

Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh's house that Joseph's brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Say to your brothers, 'Do this: load your beasts and go to the land of Canaan, and take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.'” (Genesis 45:16-18 NASB).

Some of you have heard me use the phrase “grillin’ and chillin’.” It’s a phrase that I often use to update my status when I am sitting on the patio and relaxing while I cook on the grill. There’s something mystical about that time. I’m usually alone reading and watching the grill at the same time, although there are times when I just sit there and reflect on my surroundings. Sometimes various birds will fly to the feeder and I marvel at the beauty and carefree nature as they eat. They are completely provided for.

Just the other night I put on a couple of thick steaks to grill before Mary got home. There's really no better meal to me than a couple of ribeye steaks. These were especially good. They had a lot of marbling and a surrounding layer of fat on the edges. That’s where the real flavor comes from. Now, please, don't write me and lecture me on the ill effects of the fat on the meat. I know that lean is better for you; I just don’t think it tastes as good! And, I do have an illustration here.

In our reading today we are looking into the life of Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, and over the next few decades he suffered numerous trials. Because of his God-given talent of interpreting dreams, he rises to prominence in Egypt and in today's verse, Pharaoh promises Joseph and his family the "fat of the land". Isn't that a wonderful turn of events? There may have been a time, when Joseph was separated from his family and when his family was suffering from the famine, when Joseph and his family felt like life would never be complete again. They might have wondered if God's blessings had dried up around them. Yet, in an instant, they are awarded the "fat of the land". The "fat" is the best part you know! Just like that, God worked all things for good!

Whether in your spiritual life or in the circumstances of your life, are you in a drought right now? If you look at your life, does it appear that things will never change; like they will never be any better? You may think God's blessing have dried up in your life. You may feel that no one cares. You may question your future. You need to know that God is still in control. In an instant He can change the situations in your life for good. Even as you read this, God is arranging all this to become a blessing in your life. He is working things out so that He can receive the glory. That’s what our heavenly Father does for His children! God can and will give you the "fat of the land", in His time. And, remember, the fat is the best part! So, do a little grillin’ and chillin’ in your spiritual life too!