READ:  Genesis 50:15-26 LISTEN: Genesis 50

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

 A lot has happened to Joseph since he was in prison. God works through his life to elevate him to the second highest position in Egypt. In this role, he coordinates a national effort to feed people during a famine. His brothers, who sold him into slavery years ago, come to Egypt to buy grain. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph takes care of them. He understands how God used the pain his brothers caused to save many lives. He sees that God can work through pain for good.

 It’s often difficult for us to have Joseph’s perspective during seasons of pain. Romans 8:28-29 reminds us of the same truth: God can work through all things for good, often with the goal of us growing in the character of Jesus. Many of us can look back at difficult moments and see how God used them to shape our character if we leaned into him. It’s all about perspective. We can focus on the pain and become bitter, or we can see how God sustained us and grow our trust in him.

 TODAY: Reflect on your perspective of difficult seasons. Perhaps you need to confess some bitterness. It doesn’t mean that what happened wasn’t painful or that what someone did to you was okay. It’s an acknowledgment that God can use the brokenness of the world to grow you. Think through how God has used difficult seasons in your life to grow both your trust in him and your character. Offer a prayer of thanks to God for working in your life. Listen to the Beyond The Weekend Podcast for more conversation about God’s presence in our pain on.