In Spite of it All

“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.” Genesis 50:19-22

If you know the story of Joseph, then you understand the depth of what he tells his brothers in the 20th verse of Genesis 50. I wonder if we would respond with the same mercy and grace if we were in Joseph’s shoes. It is easy to look at the end of Joseph’s life and marvel at what was done to bring him to the place of God. But the truth is that Joseph’s position was the result of many hard years and a determination to trust in God’s plan for him. He didn’t look at the circumstance nor did he look at the future and wonder what was to come. He looked at his Father and placed His trust in Him.

I often wonder when Joseph made this statement, if it was followed with the thought, “I wish you knew everything that God did for me, in spite of it all, to get me where I am today.”

Pastor Amber Clendenin