“And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:7–8, ESV)
Joseph was the pride of his father, but the bane his brothers. He had his quirks. He was a bit of a braggart, and his brothers eventually had enough. They threw him into a pit and then sold him into slavery. They told his father that a wild animal had murdered him.
He is brought to Egypt. His master was named Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife had a thing for Jacob. When Jacob did not submit to her advances, she falsely accuses him of attempted rape.
Potiphar has Joseph thrown into prison. Joseph withers away for two full years in that prison. For all the good that he did for others, it seemed that bad just kept coming back upon him. These years were terrible for Joseph. No doubt, he probably wrestled with bouts of hopelessness. It goes from bad, to worse, to worst.
But then there is a breakthrough. He is elevated to the second highest position of authority. He was second only to Pharoah. He goes from the dungeon to the penthouse. During a great famine, he is in a place where he can save his family in their distress. These are the very ones who had betrayed him. But if it had not been for all these events, the family would have likely all starved to death.
God knew what he was doing all along. It is the providence of God. God takes the bad and will use it for good.
I am reminded of Romans 8:28 where it says:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)
It doesn’t say that all things are good. It was not good that Joseph was sold into slavery. It was not good that he was a prisoner for two years. What you are going through may not be good. But that does not mean that God cannot and will not use those things for good.
When you are down, keep looking up. Keep looking to Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith. God’s hand will move. God will take our brokenness. He will take our hurt. He will take our frustrated plans. He will take all of it, and use it for his good purposes and our welfare.
Reflection
- Have there been times you could relate to Joseph?
- How have you seen God’s providence in your life?
Prayer
I thank you Lord that you always know what you are doing. I don’t always understand what is happening and why it is happening. But I trust in you Lord. I know that you will bring good from the bad; beauty from the ugly; praise from sorrow; and life from death. I praise you Lord, my Savior, and my God. Amen
Barbara says
Amen I trust in you lord and I know what you are doing and you will bring us good I pray to you . Amen