Sovereign God

Gen. 45:

So it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Joseph was out of prison and promoted to second in the land. His interpretation of Pharaoh's dream coupled with his economic plan were saving not only Egypt but all the surrounding lands.Then definitely by God's plan, Joseph was brought face to face with his brothers, the ones who hated him so much that they sold him into slavery. What was his response? Was he full of bitterness for all the years in prison? Was he desiring revenge on those who had changed the course of his life? Well, he might have if he truly believed they had actually changed the course of his life. On the brothers' return visit to Joseph, he had to leave the room because compassion was flooding out of his heart as tears flooded out of his eyes. This is not a heart of bitterness! Finally, the time was right for Joseph to identify himself to his brothers. Weeping, he asked them to come near to him. His words revealed his heart, his trusting in the sovereign plan of God. And do not be dismayed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life...to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive  for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. What a powerful statement!! His faith in God and His sovereign plan were so strong that it cancelled bitterness and revenge. It fostered love, forgiveness, and protection for his family.

Practically living out the belief in a Sovereign God would be life changing. It would completely change the way you would view the haphazard circumstances of life. Instead of frustration over people who irritate you, argue with you, hate you, ignore your personal rights, treat you badly, are ungrateful, or any number of things that people do to you every day, you would look beyond them to the source of the problem. You would see behind all those negative and positive circumstances of life was the plan of God shaping you through those very people who seem to be the bane of your existence. You would have no more bad days because you would live believing that everyday would be controlled and orchestrated by God!! Why is it so hard to live practically like we believe in our heads? Why is it so hard to rest in God minute by minute? Perhaps it is related to who is on the throne of our lives, who is in control? We still deal with all the circumstances negatively because we think we have control over these situations. It is only when circumstances or relationships are totally blown out of control that we go to God. But in truth, we have no control at all. God is the only controller!

Father,

Give me a trust in You and Your sovereign plan. Help me to live like I believe You have a plan for every detail of my life. Take away my bitterness and frustration. Help me to live in Your power.

In Jesus name,

Amen