Divine Blueprint

 

Psalm 105:17 "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:"   Divine Blueprint   I'm going to ask you a few questions-don't worry, you won't have to think too hard! Is being kidnapped good or bad? Is being sold into slavery good or bad? What about being lied about to others? I think we would all agree that these things, at least at first glance, are bad things. Joseph experienced all of these things and more. We know the story of how he went from being a slave to being a ruler in Egypt-but how did he get to Egypt? He did not go willingly, but was taken by force as a slave. Now take a look at Psalm 105:17: "He sent... Joseph, who was sold for a servant." The "He" in this verse is God. So the Scripture says very clearly that God was responsible for Joseph's being taken to Egypt! The more you look at this psalm, the more you will see that God is behind even the "bad" circumstances that surrounded Bible men.   Verse 16 says, "Moreover he called for a famine upon the land. . . ." This was the famine that motivated Jacob to send his other sons to Egypt to get food, and this brought about the reunion with Joseph.   Another example is found in verses 24-25, "And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies. He turned their heart to hate his people. . . ." We know from other passages that God is never the Author of evil; He does not make people do evil things. But somehow even when evil things are done, all things work together for good-God is working out His divine plan.   If you had asked Joseph, or Jacob, or the children of Israel to tell you the things that they were thankful for, even the most pious of them would never include being sold into slavery or living in the midst of a famine. And yet, the best things that happened to them could never have come about had it not been for these "bad" circumstances. Fellow Christian, remember that God is actively involved in the circumstances of your life, so look for His hand!   If you are going to see God in your life, you will have to seek for Him. Many times His working is behind the scenes, but it is all working together in His divine plan. Romans 8:28 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." Joseph's being sold into slavery was not the way he would have chosen, but it was God's way-and the best way. This knowledge should give us confidence that God is in control, and it should give us comfort that He means it for good. So today, look for God in your life-He is there!     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in Menomonee Falls, WI and Three Springs, PA 2. Ranch evangelists traveling to services this weekend in Thomasville, GA; Montezuma, IN; Harned, KY; Hustontown, PA; and Florissant,MO   Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

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