God's eternal plan
Genesis 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (NIV).
Joseph endured the evil intentions of many people - his brothers selling him into slavery, Potiphar's wife's false accusation, the cupbearer's neglect, and seven years of famine. Yet God was able to use all these events to bring about the deliverance of the Jewish nation. Through all the disappointments (and the victories), Joseph remained confident that God was in control.
The Bible encourages us to adopt this perspective with our children. They are certain to experience trials and disappointments - injuries, sickness, lost elections, rejection by friends, failed tests and dropped balls. At times, we may wonder if God truly has a plan. Joseph's story reminds us that God is bigger than our circumstances. Although we may not be able to grasp His overall plan now, one day we will be able to see the beautiful tapestry that has been woven out of all the events of our lives and the lives of our children.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (emphasis added) (Rom 8:28 NIV).
Look past trials and wait for God's response.
