9 December
Joseph: Genesis 37 and Genesis 50
Whatever life throws at us, God intends it for good
God works in and through all situations. Do we believe that?
In chapter 50:20 “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good”, Joseph knew that his brothers had intended evil against him, BUT, at no point did he complain or take his eyes or trust away from his uncompromising focus on God. He grasped what is spoken of in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”
Sometimes our lives can seem muddled and uncertain but we can only see so many pieces of the puzzle. God sees the whole picture. The question is do we trust Him?
Trust isn’t saying everything will be smooth sailing. Joseph’s story identifies this! From being the favoured son, his brothers threaten to kill him, strip him and sell him into slavery and he’s falsely imprisoned before he comes into better times. It is only because of Joseph’s belief in the ultimate goodness of God that meant he could forgive his brothers. Trusting God is saying that whatever we face, we believe that God loves us and will be with us. It’s also about surrender. At this advent time as we think about the birth of our Saviour, it’s good to surrender afresh to Him.
And despite us, God’s Word never fails. Despite Joseph’s own foolishness or pride in sharing his dreams, God fulfilled his plan. Chapter 37: 5 “One night, Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever”. Whatever our circumstances, whatever our own mess ups, God’s promises and plans will come to pass.
It’s so easy to become so focused on the minutiae of our lives, fitting each piece of the jigsaw into place, forgetting who the jigsaw belongs to! Just as a difficult jigsaw takes time and focus, the promises of God take time to fulfil. Joseph’s story was an integral part of God’s plan as Jesus would be a descendant. Each part of the plan, whether good or bad, would ultimately lead to bring about the greatest blessing of all time – birthing the Saviour of the world.
Prayer
Lord, thank you that we can trust you because ultimately our lives are in your hands, our Saviour. Help us to surrender to you and your plans. Today we choose to remember that you work all things together for good to those who love you, and that in you we have purpose – Amen.
Kate Bryant
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