Joseph extended to his brothers what God had extended to him in the greatest adversity of his life.

Joseph obeyed the Lord because he had been walking with God, inclining his heart to God's whispers long before that day he would stand before his brothers. That intimate walk gave Joseph everything he needed to trust God with this seemingly impossible assignment, to forgive the ones who sold him into slavery.

Joseph’s brothers had committed a terrible wrong against him. Yet Joseph assured them that God had overruled their actions and that even in their sin against him, God used it as a means to their preservation and the preservation of all their people.

God’s favor and prosperity was with Joseph all the years of Joseph’s suffering. Joseph’s obedience, hard work and perseverance, especially during the years in his captivity and suffering kept him in God’s sight. He counted Joseph righteous and included him in His salvation plan, reserving a remnant keeping him and his entire family alive by God’s great deliverance.

There’s so many providences in this story. In the midst of a severe famine Joseph’s brothers didn’t know their provision would come from the hand of their brother they thought was long gone. Jacob, their father thought all hope was lost. Little did Jacob know that God would not only bring His provision in the nation’s famine but also give His restoration in the famine of his heart. God reunited Jacob with his precious son Joseph, reviving his spirit, before he died (46:30). Even in the midst of deep remorse and suffering, God can bring forth His providence.

The most courageous thing you may ever do is forgive those who have hurt you the most. Joseph is a man who had faithfully trusted the Lord at each unimaginable turn of his life. He trusted God’s sovereignty and knew God had a greater plan and purpose. We can learn from Joseph that the cure for the conflict is to submit to God and stay close to Him. God’s end was good despite the evil. His process may be long and painful, but His plans are perfect.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am eternally grateful to You for having plans to prosper me and not harm me, for giving me hope and a future, even when others do me wrong. As Your Word says, vengeance is Yours and You will right every wrong done to me. You will take what they mean for my destruction and turn it to good, spreading a table before me in the very presence of those who betray my trust. Thank You for loving and caring for me that much. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Remember today that God will right every wrong. If you are waiting to see the results of His hand in your situation, make a list of anyone who hurt you that you have not released to God. Place them in His hands and walk in forgiveness toward them. Pray over them daily, for God to bring His light into their lives. He will work everything out for your benefit and for theirs.