A Word of Encouragement from Mike

Paul Harvey was one of America’s favorite radio and TV commentators. He was best known for his segments called “The Rest of The Story”. Here is one called “The Bully and the Boy”.

Bavaria, 1934– it was the wrong place and the wrong time to be a Jew. Heinz was born in 1923 to a Jewish family, and at age 11 was experiencing Hitler’s hatred for his ethnicity firsthand. The little village that was home to his family was called Furth. Hitler’s Youth began roaming the streets, making danger a certainty rather than a possibility. Heinz’s parents believed the principles of their religion were more important than ever, and they taught their children self-control– knowing that it would help them endure the dangerous atmosphere brewing. Heinz did as his parents taught him and avoided Hitler’s bullies whenever he could. When he could not avoid it, he took the beating they gave him. One day, instead of just taking it, Heinz decided to talk to his bullies. The 11-year-old boy negotiated peace for himself that day. Heinz’s family ended up moving to the United States and Americanizing their name. As an American, he served his new country well with the same skill and devoted his life’s work to being a peace negotiator. Heinz had negotiated that first peace settlement for himself and ultimately devoted his life toward a more peaceful world.  Heinz was better known as Henry Kissinger, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Now you know “The Rest of the Story”. 

I was recently reading through the Book of Genesis and focusing on the turbulent life of Joseph. He was hated by his brothers for being the “favorite” son. He was hated even more for his dreams and his interpretation informing the brothers they would one day bow to him. Because of these perceived slights, his brothers plotted to kill him. Joseph was sold into slavery but eventually served over all of Potiphar’s affairs. He was thrown into jail because of a false accusation but after more dreams and interpretations, he was released to serve as Pharaoh’s number two man over all of Egypt. One day, Joseph’s brothers came looking for food and Joseph recognized them. After charging them with several trials to complete, he finally revealed his identity to them and asked about his father and younger brother.  They were stunned by this revelation and assumed he would seek revenge. Joseph famously said to them, “You meant it [selling me into slavery] for evil but God meant it for good.” God knew all along his people would need a rescuer and Joseph was the one. Now you know “The Rest of the Story”.     

Today will be the best day ever for some– starting a new job, receiving a raise, getting married, having a baby, retiring…  For some, it will be the worst day ever– an untimely death, the diagnosis of a severe illness, the loss of a job, receiving divorce papers, etc. Ultimately we need to trust our faithful God, the One who knows how this all will be a part of His plan. Thankfully, in glory, we will be able to look back and realize the plan of God was “The Rest of the Story”. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV