"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." ~ Genesis 50:20
Don't those words just radiate comfort? Read them again and let them really soak in. Claim those words over your life today. As I complete my study on Genesis, Joseph speaks these words to his brothers shortly after the passing of their father, Jacob. These words not only brought reassurance and forgiveness for his brothers, but a profound truth for our lives. God's intentions are always good. This is a promising truth for us to remember. You and I are part of a greater plan. There is a significant amount of power upon your life that helps you influence others for the Lord. Paul so beautifully lays out God's intentions for our lives in Ephesians 1.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead...
Couldn't have said it more eloquently myself. I love God's Word. I highly recommend printing this passage and reading it until you have it memorized! I pray this over you, my friends. I pray that you would walk in a Spirt of wisdom, as you parent your children, work at your job, care for your husband, and serve in your church. I pray that everyday you would know Jesus better and more intimate. I pray that you would walk in hope and know that you are a powerful woman of faith! God takes whatever is intended to harm you and turns it into purpose! Just think, you are a part of a bigger plan and that plan includes saving lives! Your life is leading others to salvation when you walk in the confidence of God's plan. Yes, there will be days that are hard. But those days have purpose. You have a seal set upon your heart and you walk with power! You are an unstoppable force! Trust in God's intentions above all things because we know what he always follows through!
Until the whole world hears,
Emily
I don't believe that opportunity happens by coincidence. Just the opposite in fact, I think that every opportunity is laid divinely before you by a Father who has a well thought out plan for your life. I am currently reading through the book of Genesis. Right now, I'm venturing though the story of Joseph. While reading about Joseph's roller coaster of a journey to leadership, the Holy Spirit placed this formula on my heart.
God's favor + our obedience = opportunities
For the last three years, we've simply been obedient to the Lord's leading. I don't say this to brag, but only to offer proof that God does open doors of opportunity for his children. I'm sure my husband has felt a lot like Joseph over the past few years. Brian is a faithful follower of Christ. He's extremely loyal to his core and has outstanding character, especially his work ethic. God has laid a vision on his heart to lead a Holy Spirit-filled church in a small town. He has relentlessly pursued the credentials to be prepared when God calls him, along with holding down a full-time job and being an engaging husband and dad. He's weathering the storm right now as God continues to prepare him for his next great adventure of faith. I compare his story with Joseph's.
God had given Joseph a vision of leadership. Jealousy aroused from his brothers and long story short, he was sold into slavery. God's flavor was upon Joseph wherever he was and in all that he did. Whether he was a servant, a prisoner, or second in command, God's favor plus Joseph's obedience led to many opportunities for leadership. However, what really intrigues me is that every opportunity was born out of disappointment. I'm sure Joseph's vision to leadership didn't include being sold, becoming a foreigner, then gaining power, only to lose it because of a lie which landed him in prison for several years.
I say all of this to say, God is at work in your life. I've found that when disappointment is on one side of the door, opportunity is on the other when we walk with the Lord. The thing that set Joseph apart was his God. The thing that sets you apart is your God. Genesis 39: 2-4 says, "The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of the Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant." This exact thing happened to Joseph several times because he was faithful to God. I don't know what your prosperity will look like, but the Lord is with you and his favor will open up opportunity. He is equipping you to do the good works that he prepared in advance for you to do! (Ephesians 2:10) Because we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose! (Romans 8:28) You've been called, prepared in advance, and walk in the power of the Lord! Don't let life's disappointments discourage you because on the other side is God's favor poured out! Take comfort in who he says he is and who he created you to be!
Answer the door, it's opportunity!
Until the whole world hears,
Emily
