Effects

I have had a few days to think about something that has been really picking at me because it was something that was revealed to me in just the past week and it has been affecting someone for the past few years. I have written about how our decisions effect people and sometimes you never know the impact of those decisions and had I not talked to a person ever again I would not have known the pain they went through and just how much I hurt them. I obviously cannot take full responsibility for the things that happened but I do know that what happened was a result of my actions and decisions. I know that in the end the decision I made was for the best but the ramifications definitely were felt for months following by others around me. Nobody ever knows how it will all work out, we just use our best judgement and hope that the road does not leave a trail of tears behind. I wish I could say things are perfect in life and it works out based on the decisions we make but unfortunately we all get caught up in stuff that is harmful and how we bounce back shows our character and leads us to new levels. I have come to learn that I cannot fix everything for those who are hurting but I can direct them towards a place where there is hope and where they will be loved forever. Sure it is a little cliche but until you experience it you cannot know what it is like and you cannot explain just how great it is to be in the embrace of one person that loves you no matter what the circumstances are. Being able to turn around after running away and having someone right there is such a great feeling and the when you find out that running just leads to more pain, you discover that you no longer want to run. For anyone who I have hurt, I know I apologized last week but I hope that you forgive me and if you have not told me what has happened as a result, I would like to know.

When you look at the Bible, there is one very strong example of how the decisions of a few led to a nation being blessed. When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, they had no idea that he would one day be put into power over Egypt and in return bless them. This obviously was a very positive effect but Joseph did spend a few years in prison and he was accused of adultery with Potipher's wife. He was forgotten about by people but then God restored him in a way that he would have never expected. Joseph was given his position so that he could lead a nation in a rough time and so that when his family needed provision, they would be able to receive it abundantly and be blessed. His brothers had no clue that what they did would actually be beneficial to Joseph and them but they made the decision based on feeling and the jealousy that consumed them ultimately became what saved a nation during a time of famine and a loss of hope. When it seems like a situation is completely dead and everything around you is crumbling, I know it is hard but keep holding to the hope that God can do something amazing and let it happen. Doubt will just drive us away from anything of value to us at all and it makes us weaker than we really are. Trust in God and trust in yourself when it comes to doing what you think is right because the wrong road will lead to destruction.

I cannot say that I am perfect when it comes to making decisions and I cannot say that things will be better from here on out but I want to do what I can to have a positive impact on those around me. The fresh snow outside means that the season is changing and its time for something new from me, something fresh that is going to reveal a different side of me. The same story is getting old and I want to be viewed different but that cannot occur until there is a change in the way I think and the way I conduct myself. If I want things to change, I have to take the initiative and stop feeling sorry for myself, it is time to act.

I hope you are all doing well, I know it has been a week but we will see how this week goes. I am gaining momentum as the semester comes to a close and I am excited to go home for Thanksgiving in a week. I have not been this excited to go home since about this time two years ago at K-State. Please continue to pray for me and I will continue to pray for those of you who read.

Ephesians 4:29,

Joseph Robinson