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When we realize that God is in control, bad things don’t always continue to look bad. Joseph is one of the best examples. First, Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him as a slave (Genesis 37). Then, the wife of his owner lied about him, and Joseph went to jail (Genesis 39).
Joseph could have focused only on the bad things. Instead, he discovered that God had an amazing plan for him. Joseph used his God-given ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dream about a coming famine. Joseph recommended a plan to store grain that saved many lives. The Pharaoh liked Joseph so much he put him in charge of preparing Egypt for the coming famine. In one day Joseph went from jailbird to prime minister. How’s that for a promotion!
When the mean brothers of Joseph showed up to buy food, he could have said, “Payback time! Starve for all I care!” But Joseph forgave them. Looking back, Joseph saw the wisdom of God’s plan for his life.
Think About This: God can take bad things and turn them around to do something good for you. The next time someone hurts you, remember that God can make it work for your good and his purpose.
Memorize This Truth: “It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened” (Genesis 50:20).
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