Forgive! God Is Up to Something Big!
Week 22, Wednesday
Kathy Jett
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 50:20 (esv)
Joseph had been wounded deeply by his brothers and even many years later they were certain he was still affected negatively. Fearing a reprisal following their father’s death his brothers came to him and wanted to ensure their future safety. They wanted to make certain Joseph knew that Jacob, their father, wanted him to forgive them and take care of them.
Joseph looked at his brothers and then shared with them how God took a bad thing and turned it for good. Joseph could see that God had used his brothers’ evil intent to bring salvation to their entire family. God didn’t cause his brothers to sin, but He used their sin for good.
As a result of Joseph’s forgiveness he was able to see that God had used the deep wounds from his brothers as a surgical scalpel on his own character. He had grown from an arrogant teenager into a powerful ruler through humility and brokenness. He was able to love and care for his brothers and their families.
The current pain you are walking through is never minimized or trivialized by God. He does not have a “get over it” attitude toward your pain. Instead, the Lord wants you to realize He can take your pain and turn it into good. He has great plans for your future. He desires to minister to many people through you, but first He must break you.
Father, I thank You that You sent Jesus, who was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He bore my grief and my sin in His body on the cross. I choose today to trust You and know that You will work it all together for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.