CELEBRATE WHEN GOD’S PLANS PREVAIL
Today’s Scripture: “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, NIV
Theme: Only God sees the bigger picture; we can rejoice that He does!
DIVINE PURPOSE
The last half of life is just as important as the first half. Joseph was obedient to God and Pharaoh as he intelligently guided the nation of Egypt through seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. When the famine extended over to Canaan, Joseph’s family was also rescued, fed, and blessed by his faithfulness. His brothers returned to Egypt with his father, Jacob, younger brother Benjamin, and all their relatives. Joseph drove out to meet them “and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.” We can only assume these were tears of joy and reconciliation.
FINISHING WELL
Still, as the death of Jacob approached, the older brothers began to worry. Joseph's brothers thought he would finally take his revenge. But he did not! He knew God had used all the events of his life to save God’s people. The Bible tells us he comforted his brothers and promised to provide for them. What joy and celebration there must have been, even in their grief. They were forgiven and restored to their brother! Joseph's surrendering of his life to God, along with his obedience, led to his entire family being saved.
Make It Personal: Toward the middle and later years of life, many people are faced with challenges. These tests may be health-related, career related, or linked to their experiences in the past. The way they respond to these tests reveals what they have learned--or not learned! Our reactions reflect the kind of people that we have become. Is there a reason to celebrate your life choices today? Ask God to forgive you and give you a new purpose and legacy. Ask God to help you live your life so others can be positively influenced, even delivered from destruction.
Pray: God thank You for Your love and patience with me throughout my life. I know Your mercy and faithfulness have led me to where I am today. Help me to continue to live a life worth celebrating from today forward until the day I die. God, strengthen me, use me, and guide me as I continue to join You in Your good work. Thank You for my church and the community around me. Use my life as I participate with You and The Cove Church to reach and restore many. In Your Name I pray, amen.
Read: Genesis, Chapter 46, 49:33-50:26
Memory Verse of the Week: “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.” 1 Chronicles 29:9, ESV