Today’s Bible Reading:

Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Genesis 45:5 (NLT): “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.”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

As people of the Word, we are convinced that our Heavenly Father reigns supremely over every single detail of the universe. Further, we are comforted in the truth of Romans 8:28 when it says that God will work all things (especially the bad things) for our ultimate good.

So, being convinced of this truth, Joseph’s words make sense.

It is true that his brothers callously and maliciously sold him into slavery. If you asked them at the time why they did it, they would have told you that they did what they wanted to do without any outside influence. They despised their spoiled brother and wanted to be rid of him.

Yet, when we understand God’s supreme control over all things, we realize that He was orchestrating every single detail. Whether He actively willed Joseph to be sold into slavery or whether He passively allowed Joseph’s brothers to sell him is not the point. The ultimate point is that Joseph clearly understood that God was working behind the scenes, orchestrating every minute detail.

And friend, this truth is not only true of Joseph. It is true of you, too!

When bad things come your way, you can fret and worry and shake your fist at heaven. Yet, God has never intended for us to respond this way. Through the trials, He desires that we pray for strength and wisdom to stand tall and learn the lesson(s) He is teaching us. Further, He wants us to be comforted in the trial, resting in the fact that He is entirely in control.

Has your life had some challenging times? Almost certainly, it has. Maybe, like Joseph, there will come a day in this life when you will understand what God was doing in the difficult times. But, it is also possible that such a eureka moment may never happen this side of death’s door.

Do rob yourself of the comfort of knowing that your Heavenly Father (if you are saved) is in control of every detail of your life. Everything you go through, including the bad stuff, has come from His hands and has a divine purpose. So, trust Him as He writes the beautiful story of your life.

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