The key verse is a profound statement of Joseph who had undergone severe trials in his life yet made a declaration of victory! He was betrayed and deserted by his own brothers, punished for doing the right thing, endured long imprisonment, forgotten by those whom he helped. He was totally cut off from the family over a long span of years. 

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In his response in each phase of his hard trials, instead of asking “why & why,” his attitude was “what shall I do now?” He trusted God and we see God’s hand in all the adverse circumstances of his life. From the state of a slave, Joseph was raised to a ruler in Egypt. There is nothing like God’s constant presence to comfort and to guide in our dark experiences. 

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Our Father in heaven has already revealed His heart through the statement: “In all their distress he too was distressed.” (Isaiah 63:9) He will never leave us nor forsake us if we hold on to Him. God’s sovereign nature is very much evident through the life of Joseph— He used even the evil action of Joseph’s brothers to fulfill His ultimate plan. It was to preserve the lives of Joseph’s family, to save Egypt and to prepare the way for the establishment of the nation of Israel.

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In the life of a believer who is chosen by God through Jesus Christ, if others are planning evil, God can use it as a tool to establish His plan. Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20) Though his brothers harmed him, Joseph forgave them and blessed them. 

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As he was able to see God’s purpose in all that happened in his life, when he got a chance to react, he was able to choose the path of forgiveness. It’s only when we see God’s purpose in our lives that we will be able to stay calm and forgive those who offend us. It is easy to get frustrated and disappointed when we see people whom we trusted turn against us. But if you stay focused, God can turn your sadness into joy; your mourning into dancing and your failures into success. Romans 8:28 says that “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 

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Our God is able to turn our bitter Marah into a sweet experience. “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:9) – Remember our righteousness is only in Jesus Christ. In John 16:33 Jesus Himself advised: “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus showed us the right path to follow – a path of humility and forgiveness. 1 Peter 2:20-23 explains this path – Jesus did not retaliate when He was wrongly accused – rather than opting to react in the flesh, He entrusted Himself to God.

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Through this act we see how our Father in heaven forgives us and blesses us with goodness through HIS Son Jesus, even though we have sinned against Him. 

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It’s not the events that matters but it is our response to them that counts.

 

Think on it:  

“ A broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. ”

-Psalm 51:17