August 19, 2007
Not By Accident
Genesis 41:42-43

Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.

On Sunday nights we are studying the life of Joseph. It amazes me how some kid that got sold into slavery by his own brothers, ends up being second in command over all of Egypt. As we’ve been studying, Joseph’s life was set up for disaster from the start. His father was Jacob and Jacob had 2 wives. One he loved, Rachel and one he didn’t love, Leah. Leah gave Jacob 6 sons, Rachel’s maidservant gave Jacob 2 sons and Leah’s maidservant gave him 2 sons (sorry Ewing family, you got nothing on this family!). Then finally Rachel, the one he loved, gave birth to a son and his name was Joseph. The eldest son should have had his father’s favor and blessing. But Jacob withheld his blessing from the eldest and gave it to Joseph, his 11th son. And you wonder why his brothers were jealous of him and wanted Joseph out of the picture?
The provident hand of God, always amazes me; how He orchestrates all of our situations to fulfill His purpose. Jesus came from the lineage of Joseph and God had a plan for Joseph’s life long before he was sold into slavery. God works the same in our lives. The cities we live in, families we were born into, and our cultures are all a part of His plan. I live where I do for a reason. It’s not an accident. I have a purpose here. I may not always know what it is (just like Joseph had no idea that would not only get out of prison, but would end up a ruler in Egypt). But, I can pray and seek God’s guidance to use me where I am. You just never know who’s path you’ll cross or who will find the saving knowledge of Christ because you took the time to tell them. I’m not always tuned into this fact. And sometimes it takes the loving hand of God to remind me. But, we should all look at our current surroundings and situations as opportunities to share His love or His Word with a friend or neighbor. You never know who the next Billy Graham or Beth Moore will be and what impact you will have on their lives. Sometimes even difficult or bad things happen to fulfill His purpose in our lives as well. We just have to trust that God is working all things together for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. Joseph may not have known all that God would do in his life and through is family. But, he stayed with God’s call and trusted Him. You can too!

Lara O’Fallon