HE WORKS ALL THINGS OUT FOR OUR GOOD
“Then Pharoah said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” (Genesis 41:40 NIV)
Nobody, not even the magicians nor the wise men of Egypt could interpret Pharaoh’s troubling dream. Eventually, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer remembered that while in prison, a young Hebrew boy, Joseph, had interpreted his dream and that of the baker. Joseph was summoned and God enabled him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Joseph told Pharaoh that there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a man who would be in charge of setting aside a fifth of the harvest during the years of plenty so that there would be enough food during the seven years of famine. Pharaoh was quick to appoint Joseph to be the man
Brethren, it should be noted that the thirteen years or so before this time, Joseph was thrown in a pit by his brothers, then sold to Midianite traders for twenty shekels of silver by the same brothers. He was later sold as a slave to Portipher, Pharaoh’s captain of the guard. In Portipher’s house, he was lied against then thrown into prison. Joseph had seen it all. But God had a plan for Joseph’s life and nothing was going to abort that plan. God had already given Joseph dreams of what was to become of him and nothing, not even imprisonment, was going to stop those dreams from materializing and they did come to pass. That is why Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”(Genesis 50:20 NIV)
Friends, our God knows our end from the beginning and because He is by nature good, His plans for us are good. He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God knew Joseph’s end from the beginning and He was simply using the trials and circumstances to prepare him for where he was taking Him.
In Romans 8:28 the Word of God says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Yes, the road may be rough and the trials may be tough but God says He will work all things out for our good. Just as He used the trials to prepare Joseph to become second in command to Pharaoh, so He is preparing you for what He has in store for you. Remember, “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18 KJV)
Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for all that you continue to do for us. We bless you for your lovingkindness towards us. Help us never to give up when the persecution and trials come but to remember your Word that you have good plans for us. May we continue to trust you and love you even as we face these trials knowing that you are working all things out for our good in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
CLICK HERE FOR LAST WEEK'S DEVOTION
