Genesis Chapter 45.
I've read this chapter many times but this time it seemed to hit me differently. It almost seemed like a storybook where everybody lives happily ever after. LOL
It is exciting to see how they were brought back together but obviously there are many emotions that will have to be dealt with that accumulated for over 30 years. Forgiveness is powerful and necessary for healing and restoration. Though there is forgiveness it does not mean there's not a road of challenges to work through the many emotions that have gathered together over the years. Joseph told his brothers not to quarrel on the way home because he knew there would be emotions coming out of them that have been held inside for many years. It takes time to work through so many emotions but the beginning step is forgiveness. To say I forgive you is great. But to say I'm willing to fight for healing is also necessary.
Also, it is important to be able to say I want to do God's Will and follow the plan he has for my life! Do we really mean that? Because we don't know what need is out there that God wants to meet through us. It may require a completely different direction for our lives that we never expected or anticipated. Am I really willing to go down a rough road in order to get where God really wants me?
I do get the fairy tale type feeling when reading this chapter with how everything seems to feel like it is working out to have a happily ever after ending. While Joseph’s dreams seemed like he was being arrogant back when he first shared them with his family, they’re making sense now with what God did in Joseph’s life and the point where he and his brothers are at.
Of course forgiveness is something that is easier said than done. They say that actions speak louder than words so it’s important to really show forgiveness in addition to just telling someone that they’re forgiven. It can be a challenge for those on both sides, the givers and receivers of forgiveness, but I think the desiring of forgiveness is the right step to take in the first place.
Here’s the link for today’s parody, Not Some Old Fantasy.
https://youtu.be/LRJCNgV9H4w
God is sovereign. His plans are not dictated by anything we as humans do. Joseph shows us by example how God forgives us and blesses us even though we have sinned against Him.
Jacob had believed the lies originally told by the brothers so he had a hard time believing the news that Joseph was alive … until he saw the wagons sent by his son to carry him. C.H. Spurgeon once said, “A little bit of faith will get your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.”
I love that quote. I had never heard it before.
Wow, what an amazing chapter. Joseph shows such incredible forgiveness to his brothers and even says THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT! Don’t blame yourselves, for God had this plan for my life!!! He knew I would have to save the people of Egypt and all those effected by the famine! Wow. Talk about a closeness with the Lord and an understanding that I desire to have one day! Joseph does not feel anger or vengeance towards his brothers who sold him into slavery. May I forgive those who sin against me. May I always remember Gods greater plan for my life even when it seems there is only darkness. He is always preparing us for greatness and changing the lives of others!
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.
I wanted to blame so many people for my situation, but I realized God was using me, and the people who hurt me were in His plan too.
I went from living on a trampoline to teaching Sunday School.
Gods plan for me.