"Dreamer Joe"

"You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good -so that it would come about as it is today, with many people's lives being saved."

Gen 50:20

We do not often think about the impacts that we or our circumstances have on the lives of others. Nor do we often consider what God has in mind when we do certain things. The classic story related in Genesis of Joseph, is one that under circumstances today would embitter some. He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and thrown into prison on false charges. His rights trampled, his feelings neglected, his opinions shunned and then everyone going about calling him a dreamer. It is amazing that Joseph was able to go through all of this, yet remained free of bitterness or regret. Yet, many today cannot discuss life, their situation, reveal their feelings about race or it seems feel anything without someone saying something, trouncing on us, or putting us down.

What enabled Joseph to do this? Behind even the worst of circumstances. Joseph was able to see the hand of God. Now, this doesn't mean that he liked going through any of these things. But it is interesting in the last chapter of Genesis and in a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously notes, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.”

What then can we learn from Joseph, that can help us in our own lives?

1. Learn to appreciate what you have and quit lusting for what you don't have. Paul wrote Timothy, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.(1 Tim.6:6 NASB)." Paul himself, learned this principle (Ph'p.4:11-13), and learned the valuable lesson, that in Christ we can do many things, if we let Him be our sufficiency.
2. You can accept the past. No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle (1 Jn.1:9). Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his brothers who ended up relying on him for their survival. Bitterness can chain you to the past if you let it. Let go of your sin, let go of your past and give them to God. Joseph did.
3. Embrace the present. There’s no need to play a “what if” game. The future is in God’s hands; so you’re free to focus on the present. The present is where God's grace is, the present is where we can deal with what is before us. I cannot fix the past, nor can I change the future. I can only deal with NOW.
4. Learn to look expectantly toward the future. God controls your future, and by walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, without fear. Even when things appear to be dark, you can trust that God is still working out His plan for your life. Job learned this "I had heard about you with my ears, but now my eye sees you; therefore I detest [myself] and repent in dust and ashes (Job.42:5,6)." When we know God, and we walk by His Spirit, the future is always before me.
5. Learn to trust. Paul wrote to the Romans, "Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose (Rom.8:28)." God can take care of the past, handle the present, and create the future. Why then would I not trust Him?

Jim