Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Recent days have proven to be difficult on families, friends, and our communities. It is so hard to realize the loss that people are experiencing at this time. I can’t imagine how difficult it has been for some, but I know how tough it has been for me.
Whenever something happens and a whole community of people is impacted, it can really be difficult. I wish that I could simply say something that would bring peace to troubled hearts as they walk through this time. My words fall short, but God’s Word stands strong in the midst of these times.
In Genesis there is the story of a young boy named Joseph. His father loved him dearly and his older brothers struggled with it. They finally got to the point where they threw their younger brother into a pit and eventually pulled him out and sold him to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt.
After some time in Egypt, he found favor in the sight of his Egyptian master and became a personal servant placing him in charge of all he owned. (Gen. 39:3-4). That started a journey for Joseph that took him to prison, to interpreting a dream for some fellow prisoners which ultimately led him to Pharoah. He was then made a ruler in Egypt over all the land with only Pharoah greater than him (Gen. 41:40).
Then came the seven years of plenty; followed by the seven years of famine that came upon all the earth. Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to get grain and they stood before Joseph. Joseph recognized them but they didn’t recognize him. He took Simeon from them then told them to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him. They could take grain but would leave Simeon then go to get the youngest brother.
Finally, after the grain they left with was gone, they determined to go back to Egypt. They took Benjamin with them and it wasn’t long until Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. It was really a great reunion of a family broken by relational issues. The family reunited in Egypt, then Jacob finally died (Gen. 49:33).
The other brothers were concerned that now that Jacob was gone that Joseph would turn against them for all they did to him. They sent word to Joseph that Jacob wanted him to forgive his brothers for what they had done. It even brought tears to Joseph.
It was then that Joseph said something to them that we need to hear even today. In Gen. 50:19-20 it says –“Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”
Like I read one time – “In God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good.” Life won’t always be easy and at times our struggle may seem to overwhelm us. We may look at what is going on and say that there is no way we can make it through.
But God has promised to be there for us. Isa. 43:2 says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
I recognize that hearts are hurting and families are struggling. It seems as though the pain is more than we can handle. The truth is we are overwhelmed with all that has taken place. Again, my words fall short, but God’s Word stands strong.
In Joshua 1:5, God spoke to Joshua and said – “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” That is a promise that we can hold to even today. God will bring us through as we trust in Him.
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul