January 18, 2016:  SOAP #2237:

Scripture:  Genesis (NIV) 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be ploughing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

Observation:   What a great God; He took the evil done to Joseph to bring about salvation for his family, even for those who sold him into slavery!  What a great attitude; Joseph considered what they had done as God personally directing his life.  He counted it a privilege to be the one chosen by God to provide for his family in the time of famine.

Application:  God is big enough and wise enough to turn bad things I experience into things for which I can give Him glory!  The way I speak and live demonstrates how much I believe that to be true.

Prayer:   Sovereign Lord, I trust you to work out everything for my good and your glory.  My desire is that you can trust me to live my life and make decisions that bring joy to your heart!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!