Out of jealousy and hatred, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and told their father that he was killed and dragged off by wild animals. While a slave and a prisoner in Egypt, God helped him interpret Pharaoh’s dream about years of plenty followed by years of famine. Pharaoh made Joseph his second in command to make sure food was stored to get them through the famine. When the famine came, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food. When they finally recognized him they dropped to their knees in fear of retribution, but Joseph said, “You intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good. He brought me to this position so that I can save the lives of many people.” (Genesis 50:20 NLT)
Last year, I found myself in a nursing home for rehab. Their intention was not to get me strong enough to return home, but to trap me into selling my home and giving them the money and keep me at their mercy for the rest of my life, which wouldn’t have been long with the lack of care I was receiving. I am home in good health writing this blog post because God had other intentions for me. I haven’t saved the lives of people as Joseph did, but I continue to touch the lives of many with love and encouragement.
No matter what you are going through, my brother or sister, trust that God’s intentions for you are good. All you have to do is pray for His will to be done and for His continued guidance.