But God.....

“So it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:8)

Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers.  He was falsely accused and thrown into prison and was forgotten about.  He had every reason to be bitter, every reason to lose hope and to give up.  Have you been there?  Have you been treated unfairly?  Has something happened to you that isn't justified?  I cannot image what went through Joseph’s mind those years, but everywhere he went God blessed him.  In Potiphar’s house he managed everything and his master was greatly blessed.  When he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, she lie and he went to prison.  He did the right thing by fleeing from her advances and he suffered.  Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing? 

While in prison again he is used to be a blessing and the keeper of the prison puts Joseph in charge and the keeper is blessed.  When the king’s cupbearer and baker are thrown into prison, each has a dream and Joseph interpreted their dreams.  He asked them not to forget about him and to mention him to Pharaoh.  The cupbearer forgets about Joseph and he sits in prison for another two years.  It is only when Pharaoh has a dream does the cupbearer remember Joseph.  After he interpreted Pharaoh dream he was released from prison and put in charge of Egypt.  It is after this he faces the brothers who had sold him into slavery.  He has forgiven them because he sees now God’s plan all along was to save them and many others, “So it was not you who sent me here, but God.” 

We don't always understand the ways of God, why allow Joseph to suffer for doing good?  Wasn't there and easier way of doing this?   I have come one conclusion about this life and it’s not about our comfort.  When we look back through time it is out of suffering the greatest triumphs arise.  Suffering has a way of refining us and making us dependence on God out of necessity.  One thing that is clear in the story of Joseph is he never lost faith in God, in fact everyone around him saw he was blessed no matter what circumstances he found himself in.  Through the trials and tribulations Joseph’s faith was stretched and strengthened until he understood why.  In the end he was a stronger person and was able to forgive and glorify God in a pagan nation. 

What are you going through?  This morning I want to encourage you to give it to God and trust he has a plan for it.  Trust that nothing happens to you that isn’t part of God’s glory.  You are one of his children and he is looking after you and building your faith.  Trust God and his goodness, encourage other who are suffering, be a part of God’s blessing.