“It was all a part of God’s plan.”  If I’m being transparent, that statement is not one I care to hear when I’m in the middle of a frustrating moment or hard season.  But, I’m guilty of saying it myself.  As I grow and mature in my relationship with God, I am learning I don’t really know it all.  Surprising revelation, huh?!?  Ha, ha!  It seems odd that terrible seasons in our life can be a part of God’s plan.  Let me explain.  Joseph was a man whose hardships were severe.  He was betrayed by his siblings as a teenager and sold into slavery, falsely accused of taking advantage of a woman who was actually attempting to seduce him, and he was jailed for an extended period of time for something he didn’t do.  (This is the cliff notes version.  Read Genesis 32-50 for the whole story)  He had many reasons to be bitter, frustrated, and unforgiving.  AMAZINGLY, he was just the opposite.  In each season he could be found serving those above him faithfully and with integrity. Through a turn of events, after interpreting a dream for the king, he found himself placed in a high ranking position of leadership.

His new position leads him to come in contact with the very people who had done him so wrong.  He recognizes his brothers instantly, but they have no clue who he is.  Joseph sets some things in place that forced them to return to the kingdom on multiple occasions.  Later, in an emotional moment, Joseph reveals himself to them.  They’re shocked to find that he is alive and serving in a position of great influence.  No doubt fearing for their lives (and not knowing how Joseph would respond), the brothers stand in silence.  In Genesis 45, Joseph states, …“I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. ⁵ But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” {v 4-5}  He could have chosen to exact his revenge on them but he only wanted to reconcile.  He wasn’t mad, though he had a great reason to.  It seems odd that Joseph would state, “….It was God who sent me here…”  To the casual observer, it would seem Joseph is blaming his horrible past on God.  Actually, Joseph has arrived at a place in his life and relationship with God that allows him to see past his circumstances to behold the greater picture.  The truth is, God had absolutely nothing to do with his misfortune—yet it was still part of God’s plan.  In this moment, Joseph is able to recognize how God could use the terrible things that had happened to him as something that would minister to many others.  His negative past led to him being able to save many people from starvation over a seven year period, including his own family.  He never allowed his situation to dictate his response.

Is it God’s will for someone to wrong you?  Absolutely not.  That’s not the kind of Father He is.  Can God still use that situation to work all things for our good—and for the good of others?  YES!!!!!  I’ve said it a million times and I will always repeat it.  We can’t control the choices of others around us, but we can control how we’re going to react.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Are you in a terrible situation today?  Pay attention to your response.  If we can learn to shift our focus to recognize God is still at work, it will change how quickly we forgive someone, how we view those situations, and more.  When life is at its worst, get excited!!!  God is up to something!