Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
Genesis 50:19-20 - Sin, pain, and sovereignty

Scripture:

Genesis 50:19-20
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."
NASU


Thoughts:

It is amazing how holy God works even through the sinful choices of men to accomplish His will (verse 20).  Could God have preserved the people in another way?  Of course.  For instance, it is not hard to imagine Pharaoh seeking far and wide for a wise man who could interpret his dream -- the event that brought Joseph into prominence.  In that search, it is also not hard to imagine Joseph being consulted in distant Israel as a man known for his wisdom and thus the whole process beginning.  But because of the sinful choices of Joseph's brothers that sent him to Egypt (which God foreknew would occur), He used those to complete His will.

This can be hard to accept, but I have found it in my life, too.  Places where the mistreatment of others toward me, redirected my course away from them and into the next step in God's will for me.  These can be hard transitions to pass through, but afterward there is only rejoicing.  I know I would not want to go back in any such cases in my life, rather than be where God has me now.

I've found that this is the only interpretation of such events in our lives that will give us peace.  Any other leads to more questions and intellectual agony.  This position is the position of faith, even when the why's don't make sense to us.


Prayer:

Lord, give me a mature view of my life, even when hard times comes.  The sin of others may confuse me, it may change my direction, but it never leaves me abandoned by You.  You are always working for my good as a believer, even when I can't see it.  Glory to Your name.
 
Amen

 
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