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Dear Grace Family,
Disagreements, harsh words, and even physical abuse have torn apart many families. The hurts can go beyond families. False rumors, bullying, cruel comments (behind your back and on line!). People are selfishly used, friendships broken, trust betrayed. Some of us bear scars from our past: bitterness, anger, or desire to get even somehow. How can we get past that? Is it even possible? The story of Joseph offers hope.
Genesis 50:15–21 reveals that Joseph's brothers are consumed with guilt and fear after their father's death. They worry Joseph has been waiting for Jacob to die before taking revenge. This would not be unexpected, as they cruelly sold Joseph into slavery as a teenager (Genesis 37:26–28). The brothers attempt to appease Joseph with a message, supposedly from Jacob, but he tells them not to be afraid. In one of Scripture's most pivotal remarks, Joseph explains his conviction that, though their intent was evil, God's good purposes were behind everything that had happened. Despite their bad intentions, God used their acts to save many lives. Joseph assures them he will not harm them.
Joseph is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus. Beloved of the Father, hated by His brethren, betrayed by those He knew and loved, only to be used of God to save His people from death and destruction before being placed in the highest position in the land, carrying out the will of the Father.
God uses all things to work together for good so that even when others intend things for evil, God will use it for good - not only for our eternal benefit, but for the benefit of others and to bring glory to His name.
In Christ,
Dennis Whitcher
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