This story is our story. It’s all connected.
A perfect beginning. A tragic fall. An even more beautiful redemption.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.
Genesis 37:3 New International Version (NIV)
When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Genesis 37:4 (NIV)
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
Genesis 39:2-5 (NIV)
…While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden…the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Genesis 39:20-21, 23. (NIV)
Then Pharaoh 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 41:39-40 (NIV)
Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:19-20 (NIV)
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”
Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:28-39 (NIV)
“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” – Julian of Norwich
This story, our story, has a good ending. It’s all connected. Will you trust Him with everything?