The Sovereignty of God!

We read the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. Joseph was seventeen years old when he was sold as a slave by his own brothers. He was taken to Egypt where he rose to become the manager of Potiphar’s household. But then he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and was imprisoned. By God’s plan, Joseph eventually became the ruler of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself!

If someone can say that he or she cannot forgive their own brother or sister, it was Joseph. What is so amazing about Joseph is the fact that he was able to forgive his brothers who did very grave injustice to him! How was it even possible for Joseph?

It amazes me because many times we pick on small issues and blow them out of proportion so that we can justify ourselves not forgiving someone! When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt and bowed at his feet, Joseph did not think that God has now placed him in a position so that he can take revenge on them.

Joseph’s understanding of the sovereignty of God was the key to his great forgiveness!

The Bible declares that God is sovereign and “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11). Nothing, including the evil deeds of wicked men, can thwart God’s plan. When terrible things happen to us, we have two options. We can either believe that God is sovereign and, for some reason, He has allowed it to happen to us or, that God is not sovereign after all and this one just slipped by Him!

All his suffering, Joseph was able to see as God preparing him or working on him for greater glory. This helped Joseph in not becoming bitter against his brothers! If we can also understand the sovereignty of God in our lives, we will not have to turn bitter against people who perpetrate harm against us. When Shimei, the Benjamite cursed David, we see David saying, “… let him curse because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ ”(2 Sam 16: 10)

My friend, whatever injustice we are experiencing now, remember, God is in control. He is absolutely sovereign and He has a plan and a purpose in taking us through this path. We do not have to become bitter against the people around us. May God help us to forgive even those who have wronged us!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 20th February 2018 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 21st February 2018

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