Sold As a Slave, But God Meant It For Good
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Sold As a Slave, But God Meant It For Good
Earthly situations can grieve us horrifically — because they are horrific. There’s no getting around it. People everywhere are suffering great injustices as greedy, powerful people take advantage of them. We should never forget that God is in control — even in our suffering.
Many biblical accounts show us how to understand these terrible, earthly events — while staying faithful to the LORD. One example is the life of Joseph. Psalm 105:17-19 says of his life,
He sent a man before them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
They afflicted his feet with fetters;
He himself was laid in irons,
Until the time that his word came to pass
The word of the LORD tested him.
Genesis, chapters 30 through 50 gives the details of Joseph’s life of suffering and slavery. Throughout his sufferings, Joseph had faith and complete trust in the LORD. So, when his brothers felt he would take revenge on them, Joseph comforted his brothers by saying in Genesis 50:20,
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
So often, we do not consider how in the evils in our lives “God meant it for good”. When evil things happen to us, God is there — in full control. As Romans 8:28 says,
We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes.
This truth is why Joseph remained strong in faith, hope, and love all during — and after — his enslavement.
So — how are we doing in our earthly troubles?
Are we bitter — fearful — blaming God — hating and blaming others — unthankful — ungrateful — revengeful?
Oh my! Maybe we should be thanking and praising God for working “all things” together for our good — and the good of those we love. When God means something for our good, we need to see His marvelous works that are far beyond words. Let us trust and thank God for the good He brings into our lives — after we have suffered awhile.
Knowing “God is love” ( 1 John 4:16 ), we say, “Hallelujah! LORD, thank You for making us free to honestly praise You for all things in Christ Jesus.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods.
Pray for our country.
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… Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus …
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The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
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The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
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Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
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How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
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Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
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O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
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Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
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Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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