Genesis 45: 4-13 (NIV)

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.  For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.  But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.  Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have.  I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’

“You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you.  Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”

For many of us reading through the bible this year, the reunion of the sons of Jacob is emotional. Joseph, Jacob’s favored and beloved son, was sold into slavery by his brothers. In Egypt, he was falsely accused by his employer’s wife and spent several years unjustly imprisoned. He endured many years of hardship. Yet, Joseph did not seek revenge on those who wanted to cause him harm. Nor was he bitter. When God gave him the opportunity to shine, Joseph was ready. And he gave God the glory. Joseph saw his journey and suffering as part of God’s bigger plan to save not just himself. God’s plan ultimately saved all of Israel’s children. Joseph forgave and reunited his extended family.

Heavenly Father, even as we endure unpleasant circumstances, may we continue to see the workings of your hands and your favor in our lives. Help us understand that we have certain experiences and situations because it is to your glory. Help us to always trust your plan for our lives and to wait on your deliverance.

AMEN

Shared by Annemarie Edwards