Joseph

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Gen 37:3-4 (NIV)

Favored does not always equate to invincible. Joseph was favored by his father and hated by his brothers. Jealousy is like acid that erodes relationships and dissolves family unity. The seed of jealousy would germinate into a vine of hurtful branches in Joseph’s life.

Joseph journeyed from the pit to the palace and then from the prison to the place of prominence. His life was like a vine climbing the rubble of a collapsed brick fence. Yet, through it all, the Lord was with Joseph.

God never abandons His workmanship. You are created by the Master architect. Your unique design comes from Almighty God. Nothing happens to you without the permission of your Creator. Whatever God orchestrates He navigates. You are safe in His Hands. He knows what you are going through. He knows your past, your hurts, and your hang-ups. He knows ever wound you have incurred. The Lord is with you and for you.

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

Lessons from Joseph’s Life:

• God never abandons His children.
• God navigates what He orchestrates.
• God nestles a mess into a masterpiece.

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care