Who’s in Charge Here?
(Genesis 45 – 47:28)
Joseph with Jacob in Egypt
By Jacopo da Pontormo
c1518
Our great God may certainly be full of surprises. I love the way the Lord works through all sorts of struggles and circumstances, both righteous and rebellious, to work out His will for His people. Nothing can stop His purposes from prevailing.
By now, we have read Joseph’s story of slavery and sorrow, prison and provision. We have learned of the rift and reunion in his family. We have seen Joseph’s brothers repent and be reconciled to him and one another.
Only God’s grace could have enabled Joseph to forgive his brothers and give God the glory for the way his life turned out.
“’Please, come closer,’ he said to them. So they came closer.
“And he said again, ‘I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting.
“God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.
“So it was God who sent me here, not you! And He is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.’”
Joseph learned humility, devotion and dependence on God during his years of suffering. Throughout all of his experiences, from serving to supervising, and from the dungeon to dominance in Pharaoh’s regime, God never left Joseph alone. Somehow, Joseph was able to catch a glimpse of God’s hand in his life. The Lord graciously revealed enough of His purposes that Joseph trusted His heart.
Joseph caught hold of the truth that God is in charge, regardless of what man may think. Even when his circumstances seemed to be out of control, Joseph knew that God had not let go of his life.
What power rests in such a truth.
Have you ever felt helpless? Has your life ever seemed to be unfathomably out of control? Have your circumstances appeared hopeless?
In recent months, I have seen this firsthand, wrestling with a looming chronic health condition. Surely, God has walked with me through the ordeal, and I know He will continue to do so.
Many folks face health crises, money worries, family difficulties, relationship troubles and other struggles. Is there anything too big or too difficult for our God?
What a comfort it is to know Who holds our future, regardless of what the present day may look like. No matter what situations or struggles we may face, can we not trust God to carry us through and work His purpose of love for our lives?
“God Moves in a Mysterious Way”
By William Cowper
1774
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
Will you pray with me?
God,
You are omnipotent.
Nothing is beyond Your grasp.
Show us today how much You love us.
Give us a peek at the power of Your Word.
Help us to trust You more
Each day,
For Your hold our lives
In your strong hands of love.
Grant us the wisdom
To see Your purpose
As You unfold it
In our lives.
Amen.
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