When our heart is focused on love we see what God can use in our circumstances. I love that Joseph, not negating what his brothers did, just saw the good God had for him. Listen, the good was not just for Joseph, he went through the mess, but it helped many others. Look at verse 20 again, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Our walk should be one of, thank you God for sending your Son and then help me be used to shine for others. See Joseph had the right heart and the right focus of what was truly important. And that wasn't his feelings, it was God's will.
What are we letting keep us tied down and not moving forward? Is it hurt from a person, a church, our friends, our children? It says in the word for us to seek the kingdom first. Matthew chapter 6 verse 33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” That is truth and we should listen to it because God wants to help us think bigger. Look at what Joseph says in verse 19, “But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?”
He understood that nothing he could do to his brothers would truly be punishment, but a changed heart and the grace of God would mean the world to them.
When I read I try and truly see the word and how it looks for my life and when I see how Joseph responds to his brothers it reminds me of Luke chapter 12 verses 4-5 which says, "Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.” Everyone needs to read Luke chapter 12 and see what Jesus is saying. It is not a fear to be afraid of, it a fear of reverence and honor. When Joseph is sharing with his brothers he points them to how God had turned their negative into a kingdom positive and when we fear God in a reverent way we can push through the tough times and be ready for the good that will come out of it because of God. In Luke chapter 12 verse 8 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.” He is for us and God is always helping us see the good in what is happening, do you believe it? Without having the New Testament yet Joseph new what was truth. We see this in Romans chapter 8 verse 28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to Him purpose for them.” Embrace His word and grow believing that what He has for us is way more incredible than what this world does. Amen