The Providence of God
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today. (Genesis 50:20)
Genesis 50:15-20; Deut. 4:39; I Chr. 29:10-12; Rom. 8:28; II Tim 4:18
What Is God Saying?
This moving story is a memorable example in Scripture, indeed, in history, of how God rules and overrules. People full of jealousy and hatred cannot have the upper hand. Joseph’s fame and success go far beyond that of Horatio Alger’s. Although his jealous brothers sold Joseph into slavery, he became second only to the Pharaoh in power—Pharaoh, arch-enemy of the despised shepherds of Israel.
This story traces the depths to which jealousy can take us. Joseph shamelessly parades before his brothers in his special robe, flaunting his father's favoritism. Rebecca favored Jacob; now, Jacob favors Joseph, which was enough to awaken the worst in his brothers. It is hard to read this without some sympathy for the less favored brothers of the same father.
God was in control, as He always is. He put it in the heart of Reuben to save Joseph's life, and the story, with such a sordid beginning, ends with forgiveness and love despite all intended and actual wrongs. ‘Love covers a multitude of sins’ (1 Peter 4:8). Follow this whole story in chapters 39-50 of Genesis. See the negatives: jealousy, treachery, attempted murder, greed, revenge, temptation to lust, famine, sorrow, loss, and then, in God's time, the surprising joy of reunion. In the end, God's will is Good News.
How Does This Apply To Us?
God's providence is usually mysterious but always right. We must guard against envy no matter how easy it is to become its prey. People make it seem easy, whether it is their vaunted superiority in skills and talents, affluence, robust health, or uncanny ability to come out on top.
We are fortressed by a far greater promise than temporal and passing trophies. We know that ‘in everything, God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose’ (Rom. 8:28). What is meant to do us evil is another rung on a ladder that lifts us until we see that God means everything, even this, for good.
Pray With Me
God, your love never wavers, and your wisdom is without flaw. Forgive me for questioning your mysterious providence at times. Like Israel, I have said, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’ (Isaiah 40:27).
The spiritually dead seem to live. The clever impostors seem to get away with it. The dishonest seem to have their way. They seem to be on top of things. Joseph is sold into slavery and sent away.
Is justice impartial? Does honesty pay? Is love only the refuge of the weak? In doing good, is one done in? It must have seemed so to Joseph.
But in the end, Joseph could see that human-intended evil can become God-intended good. So from the perspective of Heaven, I shall see that ‘everything God works for good with those who love Him,’ and even now, when all is still, and I am trusting in Your Word, I know this is true.
I affirm in faith that nothing escapes Your overruling providence. Things change, times change, friends change, I change, but Lord, You do not change.
Nothing can enter my life, weigh on my heart, prey on my mind, or hinder my steps without Your knowledge and permissive will. I trust in Your love. I want to walk in Your paths of righteousness. Then, everything that comes into my life, even when meant for evil, will be woven into the final pattern of everlasting good.
Through Jesus Christ, who endured the cross to wear the crown. Amen.
Moving On in the Life of Prayer
When things look and feel the worst, and everything is going against us, it is time to pray for a quiet acceptance of God's will and a deep trust in His wise Providence. He understands, and He overrules.
