Favor, Provision, and Place

There is a reoccurring theme in stories of hardship and distress. Just when things seem to be the worst and there is no escape for the one oppressed, the theme of favor, provision and place appear. I see it over and over again. It's most evident in the story of Joseph, but also throughout the story of a young exiled Jewish girl named Esther who finds favor from her captive Persian king, bountiful provisions, and ultimately the place of being Queen and saving her people from a genocide. I don't understand that,it seems to make no sense. It's like the pine tree that roots and grows up tall from just a narrow crack in a rock. Often I find myself wanting to be in the best situations, the easiest spots, trying to avoid the hardships and risks in life. If I'm in a difficult time, I usually am looking for a quick way out. Sometimes, there is escape, most times not. Maybe, just maybe, I am in that circumstance for something greater. Perhaps I will find favor; provision often is not external material goods, but rather the internal strength, endurance, and patience that is developed in my soul. Ultimately, a place is given, sometimes very lowly for a extremely long time, and sometimes a higher place with full honor and respect that's due. But for now, I take peace in the providence of God that the theme of favor, provision, and place is being written throughout my book of life . . .