"Am I in God's place? 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)
It is the source of 90% of our fear, discontent, unbelief, and unwillingness to surrender. We always find ourselves in danger when we try to take God's place.
The story of Joseph is given in the last chapters of the first book of the Bible. And well it should be. It is a seminal story of faith, forgiveness, and the faithfulness of God.
I won't rehearse the story (read it in Genesis 37-50), but the closing chapter is the last scene of this breathtaking movie. Joseph's life has been filled with betrayal from the hands of his own family and, it would seem to some, from God himself. He had every human reason to be bitter.
20,000 FOOT VIEW
But Joseph rose to see life higher. He believed that God was sovereignly moving, even through the hands of fallen men and failing circumstances. He believed God could be trusted.
Most importantly, Joseph understood his place. He was not God. He couldn't see the future, but he understood that it was better to trust the One who can. Joseph believed that when you follow God fully, He will orchestrate that which could never be scripted or dreamed.
God took Joseph from the pit and prison and lifted him to be the second-highest commander in the known world. Not only that, God had an agenda. He always does. His plan was to save people—even the very men who had betrayed Joseph.
Joseph was good with God's plan. If his life could be help redeem people, he was content with difficult, confusing circumstances.
SETTLED PURPOSE
Joseph had settled the purpose of why he lived. It was not for pleasure, power, or possessions. In this brief life, it was to be used as an instrument of redemption for others by the gracious hand of a sovereign God. Such a man is usable to God. Such a man is happy in this life and rewarded in the life to come.
Father, thank You that You know exactly what You're doing with my life. Help me not to resist problems or to get angry with You in the process. Let me so trust You and look to You that my life carries the sweet aroma of faith and peace in the midst of anything. Use me as You desire to redeem others, even my enemies.
