A dear friend and blogging sis, Kate Kresse, has had the same idea I did.
Visiting last night via emails, we realized we were both planning the same post for today.
Can’t be just coincidence.
I mentioned a section of Scripture that encourages me in times such as ours, and she said she was posting on that very topic. So here we are.
Genesis 50:20-21 is one I use so often, I no longer have to research in order to find the reference. And with my memory, that’s a sure sign of much repetition. It goes:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”
Although I feel attacked by the very leader I should admire and trust, although his stated aims are to make my life as hard as possible, although he cares not about right or wrong as long as he perceives he is “winning”, although I feel my life and livelihood are merely casualties in some gross political game, I am not to fear.
I get it.
No fear. God will bring good from this in spite of the intentions of the one who seems to be in control of us.
Because that one is not really in control.
God is.
We will stand in awe and see amazing things, and my fear is slowly slinking away.
Thanks, Kate!
Home's Cool! 
I rewrote this story for the daily prompt a while ago. It was my first attempt at Biblical fiction as an adult. I think I wrote a play about the same events when I was about 10 as an exercise at school. http://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/wed-never-have-guessed/
Sue
Nice going, Sue! I love that history of the people Israel and their time of merging with Egypt. Did you know the story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house is found also in the Egyptian literature? It is usually referred to as The Ancient Egyptian Tale of Two Brothers. Amazing similarities there, if one grasps all the odd taboos in Egyptian literary practices. 😉
Anyway, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
No, I didn’t know that. One of the things I really enjoy about blogging is how much I learn. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. 🙂 Sue
You are welcome! 🙂
Goes perfectly with another favorite verse. Romans 8:28. All things.
Absolutely! Thanks so much for this comment, Stephanie, and WELCOME to Home’s Cool! 🙂
Yes. In all things, God works for good.
We just have to stand still and see Him working it out. Eventually, all becomes clear.
So easy to say. But I think we will all need to become more practiced in walking the walk, in the near future. 🙂
When my husband was in the military, especially while waiting for the promotion results to be announced, he often said, “God sits on every promotion board – and he has the majority vote!”
Thanks so much, Ruth! I need to hear things like that, since we are furloughed, here, right now…I shall remember this! He’s in the Congress, too, right? 🙂
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for the reminder in Scripture that all times things happen to us for some GOOD! We as humans can only see, at times, the pain of what we go through. But God is helping me to see that it is all from or allowed by HIM. It is for some good. We do not always see the good but it’s there.
Thank you for blessing us with your words and GOD’S word again.
Thanks for this insight, Karen!
No, we never see the pain we cause, and that is because it is the pain we cause God.
That is an infinite pain. We cannot see it, even when we think we do. What little we see, or what little we feel, is nothing, not to be compared… You know.
We usually do get to see some of the good, although not always, because it is the blessing that comes when we obey in spite of the pain. He delights to show us what He is doing, once we line up with Him. It is then that He stops calling us servants and starts calling us brothers.
❤
I see how little I see and I may be beginning to see what you have seen all along. I have a ways to go yet.
Love you.
Oh, don’t we all!! 😉
Lord, lift me up and make me stand
By faith on Heaven’s tableland
I higher plain than I have found
Lord place my feet on higher ground.
Just… ((hugs)). Big ones. And lots.
And also prayers. Because God.
You know…this is a great time for a “But, GOD…” moment. It’s coming. Man may do what he wills, BUT GOD. He is faithful. He’s got this.
Wow, Tiff, you are so full of loving help! Thanks so much! Yes, He’s got this one.
Thanks for the prayers and for the encouragement! 🙂
Any time. What’s a sister in Christ for? If all I can do is pray, then pray I will. 🙂
You are so kind. Somehow I know you are praying. It’s good…
i have always like to pair this verse with Jeremiah 29:11. constant reminders to me, a woman who at times NEEDS constant reminders.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Nice addition! Thanks! 🙂