Day Twenty-Six
DAY TWENTY-SIX
I want to continue the thought today that submitting to, and embracing trials, (through trust in God) actually strengthens your faith and helps it grow!
I read a great verse this morning in Genesis chapter fifty.
Joseph’s father, Jacob has just died and Joseph’s brothers come to him and say, “Dad told us to tell you to be nice to us just before he died” because they were worried that after all they had done to him, that he may seek revenge once he knew his father was dead.
Listen to the power in his response. It reflects a complete trust that God was in control of his life and despite his brothers best efforts to get rid of him, Joseph understood that it was GOD who brought him to the position he was in.
Genesis 50:19-21
19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.
I love that despite the fact that the power he now has, and the position he holds, gives him the ability to be able to punish his brothers for what they did to him, he knows that that is God’s job! I also love that he can see the bigger picture, that BECAUSE of what he has been through it allows him to be positioned to save the lives of many people.
Remember yesterday we spoke about the fact that we can ask God for His wisdom in facing and responding to trials, and He will give it to us liberally? Well Joseph is a perfect example of someone who actually did this and as a result God was able to use him to save himself, his family and a nation.
Take a moment today to let go of trying to make someone pay for what you are going through, surrender to God’s loving care;ask Him to take care of the offenders, and determine to see the bigger picture at work. Focus on the growth of your personal faith and wisdom, which God can use to save the lives of those around you.
Scripture to meditate on: Genesis 50:14-21