January 18th Devotion

Genesis 45:5 (NIV)
5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

How easy would it have been to hold a grudge? How difficult would forgiving his brothers after what they had done? Without knowing God, I imagine it would be nearly impossible to forgive them. In fact, how many people would absolutely love to have someone who had done them wrong, over a barrel like this. Their lives were in his hands, and he said, ”God sent me here to save lives.”

Joseph could have turned his brothers away, and no one would have questioned why. He could have even kept their relationship a secret. Who would have known, but God. But, that is the point. God did know, and does know. There is nothing hidden from Him. Not then, not now.

This would be a good time to review your life. Think about who has hurt you, and think about how much God loves you, and has brought you to this point. God has been with you through it all. Maybe people have hurt and done you wrong. God will help you. He will help you forgive, and choose life.

Please, pray about it today.

Love, Pastor Don