For our Good

I love the story in the Bible of Joseph, a young man who kept a good attitude through all the horrible things he went through. Joseph was mocked and hated of his brothers, betrayed by his own brethren, tempted by his master's wife, thrown into prison for being righteous, and forgotten in prison by the very person he helped. It is amazing that one could keep such a good attitude through all of these things. Today, we in the church go through some hard things, but we have the Word of God and we have the Holy Ghost to guide us through those times. Joseph had neither, yet when tempted by his master's wife said, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" We cannot find in the Bible where Joseph whined, complained, or blamed God. Joseph's character was amazing.

As you go through things in your life that may seem unfair, I challenge you to remember Joseph. Did God leave him in the pit in which his brothers cast him? No. Did God leave him in the prison? No. God delivered him, blessed him, and caused whatsoever he did to prosper. I really believe this story could have gone a totally different direction if Joseph would have complained, fell when tempted, or blamed God for things gone wrong. But Joseph's story had a good ending because of his attitude. He trusted in God! He was a man of integrity. He did the right thing.

We know the story. The Lord lifted up Joseph and made him second in command over all Egypt. When Joseph was lifted up and blessed, he didn't get a big head. That's what some of us do when God blesses and lifts us up! But Joseph didn't do that. When his brothers came to Egypt during the famine to get food, they didn't know who Joseph was. Joseph could have taken revenge upon his brothers in an instant, but instead, he blessed them and forgave them. I love what he told his brothers in Genesis 50:20:

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

Joseph recognized that God had his life in His hands. He knew that even though his brother's intentions were evil, God used it and meant it for his own good. God used his affliction to bring him to a place of power, where he could help save the lives of many people from the famine; including the lives of his own family. You never know what God will do with your life or how He will use you, if you will just have a good attitude and do what is right.

I would like to leave you with some encouragement:

When it seems the world is against you, maybe even your own family and friends, trust in God. Don't get bitter. Pray. Keep a good attitude. The Bible says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. " (Romans 8:28)

You never know what good God will bring out your bad situation if you will but trust Him and keep a good attitude. We can trust the Word of God! We really can! It's for our good.