Day 152

When Falsely Accused

“And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance” Genesis 45:7.

I love the story of Joseph as he was thrown in prison, falsely accused---first by his brothers and then by Pharaoh's wife. It all seemed so unfair, but God had a purpose and a plan in his future.

We often don't understand our difficult journey, especially if it never seems to get better, only worse. Often we look at easier circumstances someone else has and we begin to second guess God's love for us----is He really hearing our prayers like it does their's?

Don't you imagine Joseph felt that way at times? Here he was thrown in a pit by his brothers who hated him, then into prison, seemingly forgotten for something he didn't even do. I can't imagine his struggle to make sense of it all. It must have seemed like he was destined for a life in prison, a life of sorrow and separation from his family.

Earlier the scriptures tell us God was with Joseph and things went well with him. It doesn't appear God is with him at this juncture of his life. He remained in prison with no idea when or if he would be released.

Because of his ability to interpret dreams he was eventually brought before Pharaoh and was placed in charge of the entire country of Egypt. He had to go through in order to be used during the famine to not only save the country, but his own family.

The amazing part is his forgiveness of his brother's betrayal when he said, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good”. Joseph could see God's purpose in his whole ordeal. God had prepared him and placed him in a position from which he could literally save many from starvation. Yes, God was with him. Do you believe God's promise to be with you in your situation?

Can you look at your life with its difficulties and seeming unfairness and come to understand God's purpose in it all? I know I had to go through with our prodigal in order to understand the struggles of our families and know their pain so I could then walk with them through their's with a sense of understanding. How do you think God is preparing you in the midst of a trial so that He can use you to bless other's in the future? Will you be found complaining about it or learning from it? Can you accept all things as in His perfect plan for you whether you are in the good times or the bad? Surrender to His will today and let Him use your circumstances to bring Him glory.