“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them”. Genesis 50:19-21

“Then Joseph died, and all his brothers, and the whole generation. But the Israelites were fruitful and prolific; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them. … But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.” Exodus 1:6-7, 12

                                            Life Application Topic - “You

Meant It for Evil; God Meant It for Good” How often can we see in retrospect that good outcomes were birthed from treachery or tragedy? The story of Joseph’s astonishing reversal of fortunes teaches that all things can indeed work together for good for those who love God, that any given moment is not the last moment, that life in God’s hands has forward movement and holds the possibility for restoration (resurrection?) on the other side of desperate circumstance. Notice that this good outcome is accompanied by forgiveness and restitution of family community, products of Joseph’s own choices. (Wesley Study Bible, pg 58)

Can I possess an outward focus allowing me to realize God at work in the moment without getting stuck in the present? Does my faith have forward movement? Oh Lord that I would trust you to accomplish long term good out of short term human sinfulness.