But as for you, ye thought
evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is
this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Beyond a doubt, Joseph was a beloved son. Reading his story in Genesis
37-50, I can't help but think how Joseph would make a great guest on any
talk show if he were alive today. The title of the TV program might go
something like this: From the Pit to the Palace.
Joseph's story begins much like ours. He came into this world an
innocent child. He didn't ask to be born. Joseph, like any of us,
deserved to be cared for, loved, and nurtured by his parents. On the
other hand, so did Joseph's brothers. But in the eyes of their father,
they were second best to Joseph. The rejection of their father caused
terrible sibling rivalry until one day Joseph's brothers threw him into a
pit.
While Joseph's brothers were eating supper and discussing what to do
with him, the opportunity of a lifetime arose. A caravan of Midianites
passed their camp on the way to Egypt. Seizing the opportunity, the
brothers sold Joseph as a slave for twenty pieces of silver. In U.S.
money, that amounts to about $1.28.
Is that where you are right now, friend? Have you been rejected by
someone and thrown into the pit? Don't fear. You're not lost. God has
not abandoned you. He knows your whereabouts. He is using your
circumstance as a stepping-stone for a greater plan just as He did for
Joseph.
Several years later during a life-threatening drought, many traveled to
Egypt to buy grain, including Joseph's brothers. It was Joseph who had
foretold the drought and prepared Egypt for survival. By now, he had
been promoted to second in command in Egypt.
In his powerful position, Joseph could have taken revenge on his
brothers for betraying him. Instead, he chose to forgive them and
reunite with his family.
As his brothers bowed before Joseph in fear of their lives, Joseph said, But as for you, ye thought
evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is
this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20 (KJV). This verse is often compared to Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)
When you and I let down those walls of fear and trust God for the
greater good, we'll find a measure of healing and restoration just as
Joseph did. Instead, we often want to cling to the pain. That kind of
thinking only keeps us in the pit and allows our wounds and fears to
fester and grow. God has so much more for us.
What was meant for evil in your life, God wants to use for your good.
The Lord wants to bring you and me out of the pit and place us in His
palace. The choice is ours. We can focus on our bad experience and miss
the joy that can be ours. Or, like Joseph, we can take the risk, venture
out, forgive those who hurt us and truly believe that God has a greater
good in His plans for our future.
Blessings for now!
