God's Purposes

[Joseph said to his brothers] And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. -Genesis 45:5

Hindsight is certainly 20/20. Wouldn't it be great if we all got a peek at the beginning of our suffering of how our suffering would bless us or the world? We might have a whole different attitude about it.

I have never been one to believe that God causes us to suffer, but rather works in our suffering to bring about good. On the other hand, I think that perhaps on occasion, God just might intervene and bring suffering just as on occasion he will bring a miracle. Either way, God walks with us and uses it all, good and bad, for good. If we will allow the good to come.

Joseph could have given his brothers the big F-U. Who would have blamed him? And then his family would have died from the famine and God would have had to start all over with another family.  It makes me wonder if the line of Abraham was his first choice!

Bitterness will never bring about God's purposes. Whatever happens in our lives, we must search for God's good until we find it. God probably didn't cause your suffering, but he can use it for his good and graceful purposes.

God of those who suffer,

Help us to feel your presence even in our deepest grief and know that you have a plan.

Amen.