OCTOBER 09: “GOD’S PRESERVATION OF JOSEPH”

Hatred, hatred, hatred! Have you ever been a victim of hatred? Have you ever been hated especially where you thought you should be loved the most? Have you innocently and joyfully shared your aspirations with someone only to be paid back with hatred? Hatred is the root of several other evils. The spirit of hatred can make one wish another person dead or even commit murder as we see in the case of Josephs’ brothers,

“Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him” (Genesis 37:18). As believers, the Bible says “Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind)” (Ephesians 4:31, AMP). Never allow the smallest seed or feeling of hatred in your life.

However, the story of Joseph shows us the love of God towards those who are hated by men, and the ability of God to preserve His beloved from all woes of enemies. Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace is a testament to God’s providential love. Despite his brothers’ intentions to harm him, God used Joseph’s trials to save many lives. This story reminds us that God’s love can transform our hardships into blessings, working all things for our good. Has God ever turned a difficult situation in your life into something good? How can this help you trust God’s plan, even when it is not immediately clear?

PRAYER: Sovereign God, thank You for Your love that works all things for good. Help me to trust in Your plan and see Your hand at work in my life. May I always remember that You are with me, even in the midst of trials in Jesus’ name, Amen.