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. Genesis 45:5

Friends, it’s been a lot of fun getting to know Joseph in a more personal way these past few weeks, really focusing on his life and the challenges and struggles he faced. So many times Joseph could have given up. He could have stopped trusting God and just went on about his own business, but he never did. He trusted God and believed that God had great plans for him.

Joseph took the heartbreaking situation of his brothers selling him into slavery and turned it into a positive experience since he was now able to save the lives of the people of Egypt. Wow! Talk about making lemonade out of lemons. Joseph looked on the bright and sunny side for sure.

Plus, he wanted to make sure his brothers no longer felt guilt, shame, or had negative feelings toward what they did to him. He wanted to lift them up. I’d love to hang out with Joseph. I’d love to bask in the Holy Light of Christ that must have exuded from him.

Think for a moment of someone in your life that has had more than their fair share of sickness, broken relationships, hurts, disappointments, or heartaches. How do they react? I imagine you can think of a few folks that even when they should be down and out, depressed, sad, or just plain mad at God, instead they are praising His name and shouting for joy to the Lord.

I can think of a friend right now who lost her son at a very young age, she lost both her parents recently, but the joy of the Lord just glows out of her every single day from the way she lives her life, her career choice, and what she does to glorify the Lord in her free time as well.

Friends, God has a plan. We may not always see the way through the fog, rain, snow, or darkness, but He will make a way. Sometimes we just have to cling tight to His hand and let Him catch us if we stumble, but He will make sure our feet follow His way.

Prayer

Everlasting Father, You love us unconditionally. We thank You for that love. It’s easy to get down and out when we don’t see the way clearly ahead of us. Help us to stop and trust in You. Help us to grasp onto You and let You guide our every step. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.