Scripture:
Genesis 50:18-21 ESV
[18] His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” [19] But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? [20] 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. [21] So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Observation:
When Joseph was just a child, his brothers did not treat him right, and now that their dad had passed, their guilt, shame, and fear had come back. Approaching Joseph face down so that they could beg for mercy. What they found was that GOD had already prepared Joseph’s heart to forgive….. Joseph saw how GOD used what happened in his life to save not only the lives of his family but also the lives of many others as well. He gave them peace of mind by reassuring them that they would be taking care of them and that they would have all they needed.
Application:
Things are going to happen in our lives that we will not enjoy, People will do us wrong, and later on in life, we will have an opportunity to do one of two things….get them back or ……forgive them knowing that GOD used that situation to not only shape us but help others. I could go over a number of different stories from my life right here, but I will spare you. What we need to know is that GOD has a plan, and HE wastes absolutely nothing. We will make choices, and people will make choices for us that will put us in a spot to either forgive or ask for forgiveness. How will we see that moment? That’s the question. Will we see it as an opportunity to show the same grace we were given? Will we see it as a time to show humility and ask to be forgiven? Or will our pride get in the way? You see, I believe and know that GOD is a good GOD. Not only is HE not going to leave something unfinished, but when it is finished, the end result will be good. We will know that it was all part of HIS plan…. HE loves you, and HE’S not done yet. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author, and the finisher of your faith.
Prayer:
Father, you are good. Even if we can not see how you can possibly work whatever is in our lives for good. We know that you will, and when the opportunity comes to forgive, let us do so with a grace-filled heart, and if we need to ask someone to forgive us, let us do so humbly, and without expectations. I know that there are wrongs that I have done that I could never make fully right, and I thank you, Father, for your grace in those things, and I can see how you have taken those things and given me a springboard for repentance. You have changed Your course of my life by your grace. Let me show that same grace to others. So that your kingdom grows. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen