Scripture:
Genesis 50:19-21 NKJV
[19] Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [20] But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. [21] Now, therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Observation:
I wanted to revisit this scripture from yesterday because Joseph’s story is so powerful. Joseph had a calling on his life that started way before the womb. However, it took a long time to get to the point where he could stand in front of his brothers who had done horrible things to him and say… look, it’s ok. I know that you had a plan to harm me, but it all turned out for the good. So let’s take a little journey backward for a quick overview of how Joseph got to where he is in this scripture. He was his father’s favorite son from the wife that he had fallen in love with at first sight. This in and of itself caused tension with all of his brothers. The coat of many colors that his father had made for him didn’t help him at all. It just made him easy to identify with his brothers. So after he had explained the dream he had to them about them serving him rather than them being served by him, the tensions grew. So they came up with a plan to take him out of the picture. At first, they had talked about killing him. But as you read the story, you can see GOD’S’ hand of protection over him. One of his brothers suggests selling him into slavery and reporting to his father that he had died from an animal attack… the very coat that his father made to set him apart was the nail in the coffin, so to speak. Now flashing forward to this moment. After a lot of other tragic things had happened in Joseph’s life. GOD’S real plan starts to take shape, and the dream Joseph had so many years ago that had caused tension in the family was coming to pass in their lives. His brothers had stood before him and bowed down to him. After rising to the top and falling and then rising again, Joseph’s character and personality were shaped and molded. To be meek and humble. So when this opportunity came, his brothers were at his mercy. His decision to show them grace did not surprise him. However, I’m sure his brothers were flabbergasted at his response. They knew what they had done and what they deserved. However, that’s not at all what they got. As Joseph sat there looking back at his life, he could see how the enemy had a plan to destroy him, but GOD’S plan to protect him was the one that ultimately won. Sitting there in the second-highest position in all of Egypt. He had an opportunity for revenge. But showed grace instead. All the tragedies that had happened in his life gave him compassion for others rather than make him bitter. As he looked at the way things unfolded, he could see that it was GOD working all things for good even in the hard times. Joseph’s character was shaped to lead.
Application:
It seems like I could write about the bible for the rest of my life and never get bored or run out of intellectually stimulating things to discuss. The enemy doesn’t want us to realize who GOD has made us to be. Listen before we go any further. I have to tell you the LORD of heaven and earth knew you before HE placed you in the womb. HE knew your name, how tall you would be, how many hairs you would have on your head, and how messed up they would be as you were reading this SOAP. HE has a plan for you, and although you may look at it right now and see nothing but tragedy and chaos. HE is bringing beauty from it, trust me. Trust me on that. Every bump and bruise that you have taken on has not been without a purpose in HIS glorious plan for you. Everything, and I mean absolutely, everything is going to make sense at some point. Let me tell you how the enemy works and how GOD is all-knowing. All the hard times that I have ever faced in my life have given me a desire to help those who have faced the same kind of stuff. This passion to be used by GOD to build stronger me burns from an attempt the enemy made to destroy me. Honestly, it’s something he never stops trying to do. So take the time to get to know who GOD made you to be and stop believing who he says you are. His attack on our lives can be relentless and seem overwhelming, but GOD knows his every move. HE knows exactly what it’s going to take to get you to the place HE called you to, and HE never fails. Everything that the enemy has thrown in your life GOD is using to shape you for the calling HE has put on you. The compassion you feel for those who are going through what you are on the other side of. That’s your calling. GOD is telling you to lead them through it… bring them to where you are now. Let’s revisit Joseph’s story for a second just to make that point. As the famine came over the land, the brothers who wanted him dead got hungry and needed food. So they went to the only place they knew has it Egypt and were reunited with that very brother who put in motion a plan to draw them to Egypt where their lives would be better. This could open up another can of worms. Because the bible is so intricately woven to accomplish GOD’S ultimate goal, it’s hard not to want to explain everything all at once. This is what I want you to know and hold on to. Everything the enemy has thrown at you to distract you and derail you from GOD’s purpose for you has only grown you to be exactly what GOD had in store from the start. Please don’t ever let go of that. You are where you are because GOD wants you there. Romans 8:28, and we KNOW that ALL things work together for the good of those who love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose. That’s you, my friend. You are called. Do you love HIM? Then embrace the teaching moments and learn what HE is showing you through the trials you face. Because you will see HIS plan unfold. You will be standing on the other side, leading others to get there. Just don’t lose hope.
Prayer:
Father, your plan is so much bigger than what we can see. The way you move us is beyond our understanding. As we go through the tragedies that the enemy tries to use to destroy us, you use them to shape us and call us. What an amazing GOD you are. This morning, and every morning, in fact. I pray that you use what your Holy Spirit has guided me to write to mold and shape the character of those who have not given up. Who take the time out of their day to read and process through what you have spoken it these SOAPS I pray that you would kindle a fire that would burn in our hearts that would ignite a revival in us that would spring forth in to all the nations. Pour tou Holy Spirit out on us. Help us not only to see your plan but also to step into it without fear. Let us not be distracted by the things that have happened to us, but let us see them as things that have happened for us… to become who you have always intended for us to be. You are the master craftsman. You know how to use all things for your good and the good of everyone you have called what we may call the tragedy you use to educate us for your calling. Give us a heart to help others. Knowing this this is all about you. Fan in to flame the gifts and callings you have given us through the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. Show us where to go from here. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.