4/4/09 Genesis 45: 1-5

SCRIPTURE:
(Please share the verse(s) which speak to you)
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “come close to me.” When thy had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. (Genesis 45:4-5 NIV).
OBSERVATION
Years before this passage, in a jealous rage, Joseph’s brothers had sold Joseph into slavery. Joseph had prospered but the family was struggling to the point of starvation. But God had worked for good through the mistakes of the brothers.
APPLICATION:
One could almost not blame Joseph for being mad and holding a grudge over the selfish mistake his brothers had made. But Joseph believed that God was with him and would provide him. It is easy to blame others when we have been cheated upon or cast aside. But we need to expect and know on faith that God will work for good in all situations if we have faith.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to have faith even in situations which I see no hope. Show me how to forgive others despite my human tendency to hold forgiveness.
YES:
I will seek forgiveness from others and offer forgiveness I have held.