Genesis 45:4-5, 50:20, "Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.' When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. ... You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'"
Romans 8:28, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
It was no secret that Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. Overcome with jealousy from watching Joseph get the "special treatment," his older brothers plotted against him. They told their father that he'd been killed by a wild animal and sold him into slavery. However, God had a plan and purpose for his life. He was sold to a powerful man named Potiphar, who, in time, gave Joseph complete control of his household - until, once again, he received undue blame and was thrown in prison for a crime he didn't commit. And, yet, God still was working in Joseph's life...
In time, Joseph interpreted dreams for the Egyptian Pharaoh and was promoted to the second-highest rank in the land. After a massive famine struck, Joseph found himself face-to-face with the very brothers who wronged him many years before. Instead of turning them away without the supplies they'd come to acquire, He offered them grace, extended forgiveness, and credited God for reuniting his family. Ultimately, his brothers bowed down before him in a show of remorse for what they'd done.
Joseph easily could've lost all hope when he was whisked away from his homeland as a slave or thrown in jail. However, he chose to trust God's plans and purposes for his life. His story is an excellent example of how God works through all things and always produces just results.
Are you currently amid troublesome times or unfortunate circumstances? If so, remember God is present, He's in control, and He WILL work through it all for your good and His glory.
How do you view unpleasant situations that come up in your life? Are you quick to get angry and ask God, "Why me?" Or, do you trust that He has a plan and purpose even if the circumstances are difficult to endure? Keep Joseph's story in mind and let Romans 8:28 bring you peace.
Dear God, Thank You for the promise of having a plan and purpose for my life. Even when it doesn't make sense, or is difficult to endure, I pray that I'm quick to trust You instead of questioning Your goodness in my life. Amen.