Wednesday 8/4/2021 Devotional by Pastor Dan Giles

And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life… So it was not you who sent me here, but God…” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭45:4-5, 7-8‬ Joseph’s determination to trust in God and not blame anyone or anything else for his circumstances not only enabled him to survive through all the hardship and injustice that he faced, it put him in a position to forgive and graciously serve his brothers when they came in their desperate need. It’s important to understand that there are two aspects to Joseph’s attitude. Joseph not only believed that God was in control so that whatever came to him, whether it felt bad or good, joyful or painful, just or unjust, was part of God’s plan. He also trusted that God was good, and that He was working in and through everything that happened to bring about a good and loving purpose. This trust in God’s goodness as well as His sovereign lordship enabled Joseph to keep a godly perspective on all that happened. Any other, less faithful, attitude would certainly have left him confused and bitter, looking for someone to blame for his troubles and feeling like God had either forgotten about him or was out to get him. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans‬ ‭8:28‬) Is Jesus the Lord of my life? Is He a loving Lord, always working to bring about a good purpose, whether I can see it or not? Do I believe this? Do I trust Him? Lord, I know that You are good and Your purpose is good. I know that nothing can touch me without Your will. I know that You love me. I don’t have to understand it; I trust You. Fulfill Your purpose in my life and keep me close, with my eyes on You today. Amen. Pastor Dan Giles