His brothers said, "Do you really think you will be king over us? Do you truly think you will rule over us?" His brothers hated him even more now… — Genesis 37:8 NCV
But his brothers said to him, "No, my master. We come as your servants just to buy food…" — Genesis 42:10 NCV
Sometimes the Lord humbles us so we can see things we weren’t willing to see before. Joseph’s brothers were unwilling to embrace Joseph’s destiny because they felt so threatened by it and by him. They didn’t realize that Joseph’s call to rule would one day save their lives.
Sometimes the thing we run away from is the very thing we must face and embrace in order to find the grace of God. What would happen to us, for example, if we stood still and quiet long enough to discover what’s going on inside? Often the thing we most want to avoid is the thing we most need to face.
I say that to say this: The famine made no sense to Jacob and his sons. But it made sense to God. God was bringing healing to a dysfunctional family, reconciliation among brothers, deliverance for an entire nation. God had a plan.
In our lives, God has a plan. The trials He puts us through don’t make sense, at first. But stop and listen. There is a gentle and good voice waiting to be heard.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.