Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion from the YouVersion devotional series featuring God Won’t Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. And don't forget to join us for the God Won't Leave You There Online Bible Study starting July 13th!
*
All the years of hardship and suffering had indeed put iron into Joseph’s soul. He was not easily swayed by his emotions or by outward circumstances. His inner peace came from his stalwart faith in the God who saved him from the pit and brought him to the palace.
He didn’t look at his brothers with hatred or disappointment but instead responded with the supernatural love of God when he said,
Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. — 50:19–21
Such mercy and grace must have put them in awe as they received such unrestrained love and forgiveness. With increasing clarity, they had to see that Joseph was more than just a powerful Egyptian official. He was also a man of power in character, honor, and godliness.
Joseph clearly saw God’s divine hand in putting him in the pit, even to the point of God allowing his brothers to sell him into slavery. His life was not all about himself. There had been a much greater purpose!
God never allows suffering in our lives without a reason.
All of it, absolutely all of it, is for the much greater purpose of His glory. We can submit to Him like Joseph has modeled, for our own ultimate good. That’s one aspect of our hope. Suffering for the child of God is not wasted. There is a divine purpose to it.
God knows and sees it all! We can fall at the feet of Jesus and know that we will find His mercy and strength to keep going. We can trust Him to guide, provide, comfort, forgive, reconcile, rebuke, avenge, and satisfy us every step, every day of our lives.
God, I need Your strength to live as Joseph lived for Your honor and glory alone. I surrender all to Your plan and purpose for my life. In the days that are left, use me in such a way that others can see Your character reflected in me and applaud You. I choose to live with eternity in view, filled with confident hope that You won’t leave me here.
Excerpted with permission from the YouVersion devotional series featuring God Won’t Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.
* * *
Your Turn
If you’re suffering right now, know that God has allowed it for good reasons. It isn’t wasted. The years aren’t wasted. Your tears aren’t wasted. Lean on Jesus. He is with you! ~ Devotionals Daily