Read Genesis 50:14-21 Joseph Reassures His Brothers

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

Have you ever been put off from work? We left a church we were serving as the staff with sense of pain. It might not be due to someone's sabotage, unfairness or jealousy. It may be just circumstantial like an economic downturned, different style of leadership needed or dissatisfaction of the board. Whatever it is, the enemy of our soul through circumstances and people (including self) beyond the knowledge or intent of any parties seek to destroy us. Nevertheless, such disappointments we recalled looking back are Gods appointments and ways He turned out for our favour. For us it was fulfilling the call and desire of our hearts in line with Gods call of pastoral and missions. More so it is a process that forms us into the likeness of Christ through our response. Here is Joseph recalling what was meant evil for him turn to Gods glory.

Jacob had just been buried. The other children were penitence and now feared that Joseph would turn against them as they thought of how they had once attempted to dispose of him. Joseph didn't deny that they had done evil. But Joseph was seeing God's perspective. He saw it as God who brought him to Egypt in order to save many people alive. He was able to forgive them seeing it positively that God had orchestrated it.

Man may intend it for evil but God has the final say and determines the outcome. His plan is one of hope and future, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Are you going through a difficult transition like Joseph? God's sovereign work is majestic, mysterious beyond human understanding. What's your response? Joseph chooses to forgive as he called his eldest son, Manasseh forget and the younger, Ephraim meaning fruitfulness (Genesis 41:52). He did not scheme to become the chief minister of Egypt. God orchestrated it. It's not the accomplishment he had made but his dependence upon God. It's not his ability but it's humility before God (Genesis 41:16). He sees the intend of God to bless others where God has brought him to.

Prayer: Father God, I am chosen and for that I am forever grateful. Your choice of me has a path ordained for me. While been moulded I am accomplishing what You have set me to reach. You restore me the joy as I focus on You and Your intend instead of the circumstances.

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