January 8

God Meant it for Good

"God meant it for good."  Genesis 50:20

Joseph came from what we might call a very dysfunctional family. Yet he rose above that family background to become a great man of God. His mother and Aunt Leah, were both married to his father and fought constantly over who had a higher standing. They battled over who would give Jacob more children, even getting their handmaidens in the act. When you think about it, all this rivalry must have affected the children. It is easy to see how Joseph became so hated by his brothers. The striking thing about this story is that Joseph overcame the hatred and rose above all the horrible things that happened to him. He did not let bitterness and self-pity destroy him when he was sold as a slave, but became the best slave he could be, rising to the very top in his household. When he was betrayed by his master’s wife and sent to prison wrongfully, he again rose above his circumstances which eventually led him to be second in command of Egypt. He looked to God and he believed that no matter what happened in his life, God meant it for good. That is the kind of trust we should have in our Father. So the next time life gets you down, you are treated unfairly, or the sky starts to look very dark, remember Joseph and trust God . . .He means it for good . . .and see what marvelous things will happen!

Father, help us to live like Joseph. Let us rise above our circumstances and trust You, knowing that You will work out all of life’s afflictions for our good. Help us to see what You are doing in our lives, what You are making of us through the struggles and the trials. Help us to rise to the top as Joseph did because we trust You as he did. Amen