Page 35 - Grace150 Devotional

You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...Thus he comforted them and
spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:20–21
Have you ever wondered how Joseph in the Old Testament was able to forgive
his brothers for the evil they had done to him? Granted, in his youth he was a
bit arrogant, seemingly unaware of being his father’s favorite, and naïvely telling
his brothers about his dreams of someday ruling over them. Their jealousy and
hatred toward him were so great that it caused them to throw him into a pit, sell
him into slavery, and lead their father, Jacob, to believe a wild animal had killed
him. If anyone had just cause to be bitter, hold a grudge, and seek revenge, surely
it was Joseph.
How was he able to endure their jealous, hateful behavior and sit in prison for years
without letting hate fester into rage against his brothers, without questioning why
God allowed it to happen, and without allowing thoughts of revenge to consume
his life? Simply, it was God’s grace poured into Joseph’s life; grace that he, in turn,
chose to show others. Joseph understood what his brothers meant for evil, God
meant for good. He let God, not his circumstances, control his life. God’s amazing
grace can enable us to do likewise!
Lord, help us extend grace and forgiveness to others, the grace You so freely
lavish on each of us daily.
– Thom & Linda Simpson

devotions for the journey DAY 28