If any of you are anything like me…human, then you have
experienced some things that to you were evil and harsh. Those things could have changed your life for
the worse. They also could have caused
you bodily harm or sickness. When “life”
in this world happens, it can send us down a path that we never thought we
would go. Whatever your story might be,
I am sure if there was a person involved in that life changing experience, then
you might have a hard time forgiving them. Sometimes that person is our self, and
we have to forgive ourselves for the choices that we have made.
As I read the story of Joseph again, these versus stand out
to me and minister to me once again about the sovereignty of God.
Genesis 45:4-8 “Come closer to me,” Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. “I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don’t feel badly, don’t blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years—neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn’t you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt. The Message
I am always so amazed at the wisdom that can come with a humble heart, perseverance and an understanding that our steps are ordered in the Lord. Is this an easy lesson to learn? Is waiting on and trusting God, no matter how hard the situation easy? Do we always see these things clearly at the beginning, and when we are going through? The answer is “NO” to all of these. But the hope is in Jesus, and the power to get to this place that Joseph gets to in Genesis 45:5 is by the Holy Spirit. God will not leave us or forsake us. He has a plan that shows that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Join me today and in this year called 2013 as we trust God and His sovereignty more and more each day.
Thank you Lord for your unfailing love and endless grace. Amen.
