Along with January come our resolutions, weight loss plans, determination to curb our spending this year, promises to turn off the cell phone through dinner with the family - ouch!. Lots of "this year I'm gonna.........." types of resolve. So I'm trying my hardest to stick to the "Reading the Chronological Bible In One Year Plan" - 25 days now and it's going pretty well so far. You can imagine where I am - yup - at the end of Genesis and the story of Joseph.
Favored by his father Jacob, despised by jealous brothers, sold into slavery by his brothers, imprisoned unjustly, then forgotten in prison another two years. A perfect set up for some anger and bitterness; and rightly so. But then, moments of triumph in Potiphar's court, servanthood in prison, and back to Potiphar's court as a ruler again. Whew - what a ride! Kinda like the song that says "build me up, buttercup baby, just to let me down." An oldie from 1968 .
Yet in Genesis chapter 50 - right after their father dies - the guilt laden, reluctant brothers come back to Joseph saying, "Dad left instructions for you before he died - you are to forgive us our sins and wrongs." At which I am impressed by the heart of Joseph who graciously and with a pure heart says -
"Don't be afraid - you intended to harm me, but God intended this for good to accomplish what is now being done - the saving of many lives."
If God's word is true - that the very hairs of our head are numbered; that His plan is perfect, and it is for good not evil and a future filled with hope; and if His eye truly is on the sparrow, and He is watching over us, then we can follow Joseph's example. In our ups and downs, in fair or unfair treatment, in promotions and missed opportunities - in all of these - God has a plan and is using each of us to accomplish His plan - and His plan is good.
So I finish with this line in a song -
"Lord, I need You, more than anyone else - You know that I have from the start. Accomplish Your plan and lead my heart"
Dawn
dascott@b4church.org
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