Bible Reading: Genesis 44-45; Matthew 14:1-21
Memory verse: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
The story of Joseph in the bible is one that we remember quickly for its betrayal, forgivesness and restoration. But behind it all God was putting everything in place to make sure His plan comes to pass just as He said, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:13(KJV).
It all began after Joseph dreamt a dream and told his family about it. Then another dream again with same interpretation, each time the objects in the dream saw his brothers’ bowing to his. This led to his brothers hate for him and eventually selling him into slavery. While serving as a slave he would be accused by his master’s wife of rape and then found himself in prison. One thing of note is that Joseph never lost focus despite the circumstances around him. Rather, his attitude always earned him leadership roles anywhere he found himself.
Finally, his gift would take him to the palace and his dreams came true. His brothers bowed to him. In all these, Joseph noticed the hand of God and told his brothers, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. [7] And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance” Genesis 45:5,7 (KJV). For those who love Him, God will take the circumstances of their lives and work them together for good according to the purpose they have been called (Romans 8:28). That was what happened to Joseph.
Jesus’ betrayal and death on the cross was also for the good of humanity. No wonder Jesus several times asked the father to forgive those who persecuted and impaled Him for they know not what they do. These oppositions were needed to bring God’s word to pass and to save humanity. What has happened to you that seems so unfair that you do not want to forgive? It could be God behind the scene working out something good for you.
Remember, His thoughts for you are for good and not for evil to bring you to an expected end (Jeremiah 29:13). He can only bring this to pass through His way. And His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. All you need to do is to continue to love and trust Him in all circumstances and He will make all things good for you in the end.
Prayer: Father, help me to trust in You in all circumstances no matter how unfair they may look.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu