And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. . . And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. Genesis 45:5, 7
I don’t know about you but I have many many favorite books of the bible. I also have many favorite bible stories from the Bible. In the last few years, the story of Joseph has become very dear to my heart. I mean talk about all the emotions and drama in his life. Yet, he was righteous. He followed God. In all of his miseries, his hardship, he learned to see God’s hand in all phases of his life, and he chose to forgive. He chose to keep his eyes on God and see the purpose he had in God’s plans. Joseph was in a position where he could punish people. Especially those who had mistreated him.
Read Genesis 45. God is sovereign over the hurts others inflict on us and will use them for redemptive purposes if we let God. It is a beautiful thing to watch God at work within our hurts. Now read Genesis 50: 19-21 or just take the time and read the whole chapter. It’s so good. What would have been the natural human response to his circumstances? How did Joseph’s view of God and His purposes affect his perspective on his trials and his responses to his brothers?
Now, do you see why I love the story of Joseph? He responded in a way I desire to respond to God and to others. I know now that we all can do the same thing since we are children of God. Joseph wasn’t looking to blame someone or looking for revenge. Joseph knew that God was in control of his life and was able to see the hand of God in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity. He realized the purposes of God were of much greater importance than his personal comfort. Wow! Isn’t that great? I hope to be there someday. Don’t you? Joseph was able to give mercy, grace, forgiveness, and bless those who have mistreated him. He didn’t take offense. Joseph sure is a great role model for us to look up to. Especially in today’s world.
Let’s look at Romans 8:28. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We all have a purpose. God will call us to work with him to achieve His purpose. We all have a story with a purpose. How are we going to allow God to us that?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word. Thank you that it helps communicate who you are, so we can know you better. I pray that we will keep our eyes on you and see and know what your purpose is in all things of our life. I pray that we will work with you for your purposes. I pray that in all things we will be as forgiving as you are.
In Jesus Name
Amen
