The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have a Bible Edge
Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Joseph’s brothers hated him, lied about him, tried to kill him, threw him in a pit to die, wanted to sell him as a slave, robbed him of his family, yet, he forgave them. He could see things others could not see. He knew that his brother’s mistreatment of him served a purpose, for it was through their selfish actions that Joseph was put into position to save much people alive.
How would you respond if everything in your life was taken away? People that are commonly admired in Scripture seemed to suffer great losses. Joseph lost his family and freedom. Job lost his crops, livestock and ten children in one day. Samson lost his strength. Ruth lost her husband. Daniel was carried to Babylon in captivity. Moses lost the privilege to enter into the promise land. On and on we could go.
Sometimes through loss, God gives more. Joseph was given a place of prominence and power. Job was given twice as much as he lost. Samson was given strength to win one last great victory over the enemies of God. Ruth gained a new husband, a very rich husband, his name was Boaz. Daniel was given a place of prominence and power. Moses is renowned for his personal relationship with God on earth. On and on we could go.
A great life lesson learned from Joseph is to look past the suffering and know that God is doing something, allowing stuff, and working behind the scenes to put the one suffering in the proper position for a purpose. For there is no hardship of life that the Lord allows His children to go through that does not have a purpose. Your suffering today has a reason for tomorrow. The betrayal, loss of possessions, health issues, mistreatments, and other hurts of life that bring suffering to a person all have a purpose. Maybe in this life you’ll come to understand it. Maybe not. But all in all know this: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 That was spoken by Isaiah. Job echoed this sentiment in Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. Paul? He said basically the same in Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,.
When the day comes that you see the reason why your difficulties had to take place, then you will probably say the same thing the sweet Psalmist of Israel said …Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1 If not, then perhaps at the least you’ll be able to say and mean it: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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