Trusting The Trustworthy One

Today Sarah mentions Joseph as an example of one who learned to trust as he experienced evil and grew in grace. As we look at the life of Joseph one thing we will notice is that the trials he endured did not come to an end quickly, and even when his trials did end they were followed by others. He learned in all of them that God was working. God was working in things that did not seem to make sense in order to accomplish His purposes which made great sense. The very ones, his own brothers, who sold him into slavery would one day be the ones who would come before Him in order to purchase food for their continued survival.

And against any human inclination to get even or to allow bridges to be broken never to be rebuilt, Joseph reached out to them and gave them more than they had asked for or ever expected. Where once they came seeking help they were later raised to places of protection and rest.

Yet after Joseph’s death the people again fell into great distress only to be rescued by another man prepared and used by God – Moses. And so it was with the people of Israel, always needing a rescuer.  This pattern continues even today, except for one major thing. The Rescuer has come and they do not in large part recognize Him. Though the Rescuer has come to save people of all nations, most of the world does not recognize Him. From the line of Abraham and his son of blessing – Isaac, to Isaac’s youngest twin –Jacob, and through the offspring of one of the brothers of Joseph-Judah, would come David and then Jesus, the Christ – the Savior.

Can there be any doubt that God knows what He is doing?? We see throughout Scripture how He has worked in and through people to accomplish His good purposes, and He has promised to do so in us. What we have to do is TRUST and OBEY, trust Him to direct our steps as we obey His word and submit to the leading of His Spirit. And this means even in the ugly stuff.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/7)

If you learn to trust Me – really trust Me – with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you. Joseph was a prime example of this divine reversal, declaring to his brothers: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Do not fear what this day, or any day, may bring your way. Concentrate on trusting Me and on doing what needs to be done. Relax and My sovereignty, remembering that I go before you, as well as with you, into each day. Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter.

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4