Verse of the Day - Genesis 50:20

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
~ Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

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Well, 2008 is drawing to a close, and a new year -- 2009 -- is almost upon us. If you're like me, I tend to get rather reflective during this week between Christmas and New Years, taking stock of what's been and wondering of what's to come.

I'm sure as you look back in review, there were things that took you by surprise, roads you traveled that were unexpected -- some not-so-pleasant. Maybe you got laid off this year. Maybe you lost your home. Maybe you had a health crisis. Maybe you lost a loved one. So many roads, so many emotions. And, perhaps you wonder, Where's the sense in all this, God? I don't see a good outcome here! What about Romans 8:28, huh, about how all things work together for good to them that love God? Is that just a sham...?

Joseph of the Old Testament certainly had cause to question the events of his life. Although he was his father's favorite son, he fell into the hands of his brothers, who hated him. Initially left for dead in a dry well, he was instead sold to Egyptian travelers to line his brother's pockets, forced into slavery in a foreign country where he knew no one, nor the language. Do you think at this point, he was questioning God? Perhaps he did, though Scripture doesn't tell us. And despite his rising in rank with his owner, he was accused falsely of rape and sent to prison -- for over two years! Ever feel like things are going from bad to worse? Joseph could certainly sympathize with you.

But if you read the story in Genesis, and I hope you will, you'll discover that through God's bigger picture, God had it all under control, and that He had plans -- big plans -- for Joseph. And Egypt. And Israel. But if Joseph had never gone to Egypt in the first place, he and his family might've died in the famine in Israel, which would've changed the course of world history as we know it. See, God does know what He's doing, even when it looks like evil is winning.

Reading the biographies of believers down through the ages is so encouraging, because we are given the big picture, and we can see how God uses negative circumstances in people's lives in order to bring out amazing results for God. I encourage you to check out the biography/autobiography section at your local Christian bookstore. Some are small and inexpensive, and will give you a great glimpse into our great God, and how busy He is in the lives of His people.

Oh believer, I ask you to take your eyes from the microscope and, instead, look into the magnifying glass at your life. You many not understand the roads you've traveled, and maybe the unknown of 2009 seems like a scary proposition, all things considered. But I beg of you to trust God -- He truly does have the whole world in His hands, and that includes you and your life path. Even when evil people do things that affect your life, sometimes in huge ways, if you are a child of God, you can be sure that your Father in heaven has allowed it. And not only allowed it, but has woven it into a plan for good. God is good, and everything He touches is good. He has a plan for you, and it is good.

I pray that as you look toward 2009, you can rest in the goodness of your God, and remember His goodness when your paths get bumpy. See His big picture, knowing that you are part of His big plan, and expect great things from your life for His kingdom. I know He does...

Love,
Joelene