Daily Reading: Genesis chapters 42 thru 45

Key Verse: Genesis 45:8

What Joseph's brothers meant for evil, God meant for good, not only for the good of Joseph, but for his entire family (Gen. 50:20).  Joseph was able to recognize the providential hand of God on his life.  We see in part, but God focuses on the whole.  When all the pieces of the puzzle are finally put together, we can see what God's plan was.  Romans 8:28 states that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  This includes triumphs, tragedies, sickness, health, prosperity and poverty.  Joseph had to go through some struggles to make it to the palace, but he did not become bitter in the struggle.  Bitterness would have kept him from providing for the growth of the Hebrew nation.  Bitterness would have forced him to seek revenge on his brothers.  Although he did test his brothers, he did not harm his brothers.  In fact, he blessed them throughout the testing process.

Do not let the struggle make you bitter because there is a palace waiting for you on the other side.  Some may live in their palace on earth, but if we are faithful we will all live in palaces in heaven.  Continue to bless those who curse you and pray for those who persecute (Luke 6:28).  There is a greater purpose involved.  You may not understand from the pit vantage point, but eventually you will see God's will come to pass.