S)"19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."
Genesis 50:19-20 (NASB)
O) Verse 20 here, has been one of my favorite verses in the Bible since I discovered it. Joseph proved to be a great leader and one quality of a leader is wisdom. Over and over, through his story, we see his wisdom displayed. Another quality of a leader is humility, and here we see it exemplified. He's able to see God's bigger picture in his life's struggle, and sees that God had a purpose behind it all. He doesn't blame his brothers, because he sees how God used him and his circumstance for good, but he also doesn't blame God, either. He simply accepts what happened, sees how God used those circumstances, and is glad to have a part in it.
A) It's hard to accept difficult situations sometimes. In today's Christian world, I hear speakers tell me that God only wants to prosper me, I read that only my faith will inhibit my blessings, etc. I think the problem is that, while God certainly wants to bless me as His son, we can't presume to know what that will look like. While He may have plans to prosper me, how that might look along the way may be unexpected. Most of all, I need to remember that hard times may not be the result of some hidden sin of mine, or because of a lack of faith, or really have anything to do with my actions at all. God may have some other, as-yet-unknown plan going on. I need to focus on immediate obedience and allow Him to work out the other details. I need to remain humble, obtain wisdom, and pursue righteousness.
P) Father, give me Your wisdom, Lord. I don't want the wisdom of man, or my own wisdom. Let me be humble in heart and accept Your will for my present time and future, however that looks. Help me take every step and every measure to protect the righteousness I have and, if I fall, give me the strength I need to stand again and pursue Your righteous standard once more. Holy Spirit, comfort me in times of struggle. Show me the Father's will so that I can rest in the trust that His plan is in action. Show me the bigger picture, Your perspective LORD. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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