Reality and Reason

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”   Genesis 50:20

They penned the letter out of fear—the fear that Joseph had shelved his grudge until Dad died.  “Father said to forgive us,” his brothers wrote, hoping that the memory of Jacob would help patch up their past.  “Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father”(Gen 50:16).

Joseph wept at their words and calmed them with kindness.  “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”(Gen 50:19-20).

The reality of the situation—“You intended to harm me.”   The reason for the situation—“God intended it for good.”   Their plan had been bad, but God’s plan was much bigger.  And better.  He used their evil to move Joseph to Egypt so many would survive and their family could be saved.  The pain of the pit had a purpose.   The madness of slavery held a meaning.  In the middle of the book, Joseph might have been a confused reader, but by the end, he was simply amazed at the Author.

Life’s twists and turns may seem a mystery, but the plot never thickens without His permission.  Our realities have a reason.  

The Main Character has perfect character, and we can trust Him with the final chapter.

It’s really His story after all.