Genesis 45, 46:1-12    I Chronicles 5:1-6, 2:18-55

I love reading about the reunion between Joseph and his brothers. Their hearts must have been so full. And now Joseph was making sense of his life. It was for these ten men who stood before him that God had allowed Joseph to endure captivity and even prison.

Suddenly all the years away from his family was worth it. He had the means to save his family from starvation.

Joseph told his brothers not to beat themselves up for the past. His parting words to them were… don’t fight about this. It didn’t matter any more who was to blame.

Sometimes we can look back on life and say, like Joseph, so this is why I went through that difficulty. Sometimes God allows us a glimpse at the way He works in our lives.

But sometimes it’s not so evident, especially in the middle of a difficult situation. Sometimes all we can do is trust Him like Joseph did while he was in prison.

Lord, Thank You for the times when we are able to look back and see how you used the events of life to bless us and make us blessings to others. Help us to trust You during those times when Your purpose is not so evident. And I pray that we will take Joseph’s advice and not beat ourselves up for our own past mistakes. Help us to know how you can use our life experiences to reach out to others. Maybe we can save someone from starving today.