19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. – Genesis 50:19-21
We talked about this passage in Sunday School this past week. I needed to hear it. I was still stewing over a conversation I listened to on Saturday. And when thinking about that, I started to go down my list of other frustrations. I continued to wrestle with God about them last night and they followed me into the office today.
And yet, I was reminded that God is Good, all the time; the call and response I repeated to several folks this morning, as it brought me back to this passage. I’ve got nothing to complain about. My life is blessed. I just pray that my eyes and heart are open to the blessings God has surrounded me with.
Lord, tonight I pray for the body of Christ in Memphis. I pray that we remember these words. That we are encouraged by one another. That we take these words to heart, even when we are the target of aggression or bad intentions.
Lord, You are bigger than all of our problems. Remind us that even after the fall of this world, You have overcome it, and we, as Your children and beneficiaries of your mercy and grace, participate in that victory. In Christ’s name, Amen.