God Meant it for Good

Gen. 50:19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

This is a narrative-meaning we are just being told the story as it was- but there are many things we can glean from this section.

I am amazed at Joseph's attitude. As I have posted previously, he was left for dead by his brothers, who were jealous of his position and yet he apparently viewed his entire life as God's to do with as He chose.

When everyone around you is trying to kill you, slander you, not remember the good things you have done for them and you still have a great attitude about where God has you; you know your focus is right.

Joseph not only had the right focus, he forgave those who tried to harm him and wanted them to know that he was looking out for their best interests. In the last few chapters of Genesis Joseph has to remove himself from the situation, not because he is about to blow up and get mad, but because his heart is so tender towards those who wanted to harm him that he is in tears. What a testament to His Great God working in his heart.

Relatives are often hard to handle, even when they are just being themselves and not trying to harm us, but Joseph's brothers were actually trying to kill him, or have him killed, not for anything that he had really done, though he did talk a little too much, but just because they we not in the position that they thought they should be in. He gives us a great example of how to treat others.

God has given me a new interest and desire for His Word lately. I don't know why that is, but I am thankful for His kindness to me. I have such a long way to go, but I am confident that "He who began a good work in all of us will be faithful to complete it".

I am home this Sunday morning because church is canceled because of God bringing lots of snow here. I do miss the fellowship and good teaching, but it is nice to sit here and watch more snow fall around us and know that God knows where EVERY SINGLE flake will fall and He is in control. That is AMAZING.