Daily Devotion: Character Matters

Scripture:
Genesis 50: 15-21

Main Verse:
Genesis 50: 19-20
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Observation:
Many of us know the story of Joseph the Dreamer. He was the son of Jacob, and he was his favorite so his brothers were jealous of him and plotted to kill him. They sold him to an Egyptian, he became a slave, was imprisoned for refusing Potiphar's wife's advances, and stayed in prison for more than 2 years. But because God gave him the ability to interpret the Pharaoh's dream, the Pharaoh made Joseph second in command of Egypt. This would not have been possible if Joseph had been full of resentment in his heart for what his brothers did to him. Actually, he could have taken revenge on his brothers, but he didn't. Joseph knew in his heart that all the things that happened in his life were part of God's great purpose for him. The realization of the dreams that the Lord has shown to Joseph when he was still young was fulfilled only after he went through painful experiences.

Application:
If you were Joseph, and someone close to you caused you so much pain, what would be your reaction? Do you have the right to feel anger, bitterness, and resentment? At the back of your mind, you probably think that yes, that person deserves to be punished for what he has done to you. You might have even cursed the person out of anger! But Joseph showed us the right thing to do: he forgave his brothers and lovingly reassured them that he will not seek revenge after their father's death. If we understand God's purpose in our lives, we will never be offended when we are tested. It is the Lord's way of building our character. He wants us to be the best people we can be.

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." 
- C.S. Lewis

Prayer:
Father, I may not always be able to fully understand why I experience pain and get emotionally hurt, but I know that You let them happen for a reason. Lord, let me have a discerning heart so I may be more perceptive of Your ways. May I have the heart of Joseph, always compassionate, forgiving, and generous not only to those who are good to me but also to those who have caused me pain. This I pray in Jesus's name. AMEN.