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 45:5.
When Joseph was younger, his brothers secretly sold him into slavery. God then orchestrated Joseph’s life in a way that brought him up out of bondage and into Pharaoh’s house. Ultimately, Joseph became second in command over Egypt. The verse above is Joseph’s account to his brothers of God’s amazing plan for his life, despite the awful circumstances his brothers put him in.
Because Joseph was faithful to God during unimaginable times in his life, God was able to use him in amazing ways. Joseph’s godly example influenced everyone from his own family to Egyptian slaves, prison inmates, royal servants, the King’s guards, then Pharaoh himself and eventually the whole land of Egypt.
Most of us have faced those dark times when we feel our circumstances are unjust and undeserved. Yet, through it all, God remains faithful. And his purpose for our lives always comes through in the end.
We don’t usually like to talk about the difficult times in our lives. But they happen. They happen in our lives and the lives of those around us. But God can use those circumstances to bring hope to those around us. It sounds ironic, but it’s true.
You may have faced a dark time in the past. But don’t sweep it under the rug. Instead, allow your story to bring encouragement to someone who is facing a difficult situation right now. Talk to them about your faithfulness, even in the face of doubt. And show them how God led you to ultimate triumph.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you for bringing me out of my past circumstances and showing me your faithfulness and unconditional love. I ask that you reveal the person to me who needs to hear my story of hope, and that you give me the courage to share those difficult moments in my life. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
