[19] But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. [21] So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 NIV

I might be showing my age, but this title made that Twila Paris song God is in Control start playing in my head. Here is a link if you have no idea what I am talking about: https://www.newreleasetoday.com/lyrics/54909

High school memories! Speaking of which, my daughters both finally had their first day of school today, 13 days after they were supposed to, thanks to Storm Lucy.

God has revealed to us in these last two weeks just how little control we have. But this surprise is nothing compared to the shock Joseph’s brothers got when they came to buy food!

Joseph was in position for the greatest revenge ever. His dad would have never known what happened to his sons. And Pharaoh would have gone along with any punishment that Joseph saw fit. Can you imagine the temptation?!

But Joseph understood that he had the power he did because of God’s grace, not because God wanted him to have revenge or even justice over those who had wronged him most.

Joseph was obedient everywhere that he found himself, even though he didn’t deserve any of it, and God gave him the opportunity to save both his home land and the land that he currently called home through his obedience.

Joseph understood that his reward for obedience didn’t need to include revenge, even though no one, not even his brothers, would have blamed him for taking it anyway.

He could now see that he had been on the path God had chosen for him the whole time, and each time he was wronged brought him closer to his role of saving Egypt and the surrounding areas.

He knew all of it had happened, just as in Esther’s journey, for such a time as this (Esther 4:14), and out of all the options to respond that he had available to him, he chose to thank God for His deliverance of them all.

What a challenge for us when we have no control over our circumstances! In the midst of our storm recovery, God has reminded us of what really matters. Most of the stuff in our life, including our tv remote, became completely useless. And everyone made sure their neighbors had what they actually needed.

When have you lost control of your circumstances? What did God teach you through this?