You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20).
Heavenly Father, long ago the prophet Isaiah gave a message to Your people, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 54:7). The essence of that message was reiterated to the early church by the apostle Paul, "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (Romans 8:33).
Yet so often Lord, we forget that our vindication comes from You (Psalm 24:5). In our human frailty and fear we focus on the natural realm, unable to grasp that You are working in the supernatural realm for our good.
What an encouragement it is for us to see Your hand at work in the story of Joseph (Genesis 37; 39-50)! Your word does not minimize or gloss over the hardships, the distresses, the struggles he endured.
But even in the midst of abandonment and adversity the Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered (Genesis 39:2). In all the human ills he suffered You were there, strengthening, preserving, and protecting him—accomplishing the greater good of saving many lives, and unfolding Your higher plan for the human family.
In Joseph's story as in ours, You are present in deeply dysfunctional and broken family relationships. You are present in cruel betrayal, malicious jealousy, and unscrupulous greed. You are present in troubling, compromising, and stressful work situations. You are present in slander and wrongful accusations. You are present in unjust prosecution and conviction. You are present in undeserved dungeons. And You are present when kindness is forgotten and favors are not returned.
Oh Father, help us to trust You through the process of difficulty, trial, and testing. Teach us endurance, and give us the assurance of Your presence as You did Joseph. Help us to truly understand that through it all, Your Sovereign hand guides and directs toward Your good purpose, even as evil seems to prevail.
This is my Father’s world: Oh, let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world, The battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and Heav’n be one.
~ Maltbie D. Babcock ~ 1901
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