For our final day this week, we’ll see how, surprisingly, Joseph’s life was brought full circle for a total and complete redemption. Why? Because he followed the purpose and plan of God.
Genesis 42:1-3 NLT
When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise, we’ll die.” So, Joseph’s ten older brothers went down to Egypt to buy grain.
You know what’s coming, don’t you?
Genesis 42: starting at verse 6 NLT
Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them…. Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him.
Finally, the moment came for the reveal.
Genesis 45:4-8 NLT
And he said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. … God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So, it was God who sent me here, not you!
What if we decided like Joseph to take every tragedy, every injustice, every wrong done to us, and trust God to show us the “why,” the greater purpose that could come from the “what?”
We know the famous verse to end our story from Genesis 50:19
Don’t you see, you planned evil against me, but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.
Nothing about this story sounds pleasant or easy. But God provided favor all along the way, even in dark situations.
Is there is a dark situation in your life right now - more than likely, you are not in prison for a false accession like Joseph, but even in that situation can you reflect on one way you can see God’s faithfulness to you, even in the short term as you wait for the long-term promise?
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, there are things in my life that I know you want to restore and redeem like Joseph’s. Help me to see my life through Your eyes, to hear Your truth, and to live my purpose just as You planned when You created me. As above, so below.”