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.
Genesis 45:5 (NIV)
What would you do if you were in Joseph's place after being sold by your own brothers into slavery and seeing them standing before you today for help? I think your answer would probably be, "I'll make them pay for what they did to me." If you think this way, it is because your self-esteem does not meet God's standard. Becoming a slave in a foreign land was difficult for Joseph, but he eventually recognized the omnipotence of God.
This is one of God's attributes, but because we neglect it, we cannot see His hand at work in our lives, in our decisions and our actions. Omnipotence means that God is able to do anything consistent with His desires as God, even intervene in our decisions. In this sense, there are two things in view, the action of God in Joseph's situation as a victim and the jealousy of his brothers which caused them to sell him. So the question is why didn't God do anything?
If we stick strictly to this question, we will lose sight not only of God's omnipotence but also of His omniscience. Joseph's response in this verse gives us the reason why God did nothing in his case. God had prepared Joseph's heart to face this situation. Believe it or not, God knows your situation and He has the ability to change it. If he doesn't, it may be because he is transforming you like He did for Joseph. Lean on His omniscience and His omnipotence.
May the grace and the peace of God be with you all.
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