GENESIS 41:55-57: “When the whole land of Egypt suffered famine, the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, and Pharaoh said to all of Egypt, “Go to Joseph. Do whatever he tells you.” The famine was over all the entire land, so Joseph opened up all that was among them and sold grain to Egypt. Then the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. Yet the whole world came to Egypt to buy grain—to Joseph—because the famine was severe in the whole world.” TLV

‭‭OBSERVATION: Is God really in control? Is He really working all thing toward good, even the bad things in my life? The famine that took place in Egypt is a wonderful example of God’s sovereign hand at work in our world (and my life) to fulfill HIs ultimate plan.

Think of all the small chess pieces that God had to move to fulfill his will. Joseph’s brothers wanted to kill him, yet they sold him to some traveling Ishmaelite traders. These traders sold Joseph to Potiphar, who had Joseph put in jail when his wife accused Joseph of assaulting her. Although innocent, Jospeh is now in jail where he serves the jailer and interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh’s cup bearer and baker. Pharaoh has a dream and the cup bearer, restored to his position, remembers Joseph and Joseph is brought to Pharaoh. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream, and he is made second in command to Pharaoh to prepare Egypt in the seven years of abundance, for the seven years of famine. And the famine, when it hits, does not impact only Egypt, but impacts the whole world, and they all came to buy grain from Egypt, and from Joseph.

Some might dismiss this as a mere coincidental chain of events. However, it is amazing when you realize that all of this was orchestrated and allowed by the hand of God for one single purpose. Even the things that were meant for evil, God redeemed for this one single purpose. What was this purpose? It was to reunite the sons of Jacob, and to bring them together to a land where they would become a mighty nation to fulfill the promise that God had made in covenant to Abraham.

• “Then He said to Abram, “Know for certain that your seed will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and they will be enslaved and oppressed 400 years. But I am going to judge the nation that they will serve. Afterward they will go out with many possessions. But you, you will come to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age. Then in the fourth generation they will return here—for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” Genesis‬ ‭15:13-16‬ ‭TLV‬‬

When I think through this chain of events I marvel and am comforted. I am sure that when Joseph was sold as a slave, when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and when he was forgotten for over two years by the cupbearer that he assisted in prison, it seemed that God was not in control at all. Yet, Joseph had a deep inner conviction that God would be faithful. He did not allow setbacks and depression to sideline him. He was faithful in all that he did, entrusting his future and final outcome to the one who holds the entire world in His hands. And we have the benefit of discovering that his faith was not in vain.

Here is a wonderful promise.

• “But there will be glory, honor, and shalom to everyone who does good—to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” Romans‬ ‭2:10-11‬ ‭TLV‬‬

What does this mean? It means that God is actively involved in each one of our lives. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, when we allow Him to be the Lord (king, ruler) of our lives, when we are guided by His Word and seek His will – he will move heaven and earth to fulfill His good pleasure for our life! This does not mean we will not have hardship. This also does not mean that the enemy will not try to thwart God’s plan for our lives through his schemes and attacks. What it does mean is that everything in our life, when surrendered to the sovereign hand of God, will work ultimately for our good – and for God’s perfect will for our lives!

• “Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say in view of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans‬ ‭8:28-32‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Today, I may be in the deepest valley that seems like it will never end. Or, I may be on the highest mountaintop rejoicing in the goodness of God. In both the valley and the mountaintop God is sovereignly at work. He is moving, redeeming, and creating a pathway that will ultimately lead to my good as I trust in Him. He did this for Jospeh, and all the patriarchs who went before us. And because He does not show partiality – He will do this for me (and you)!

Lord, thank You for Your awesome faithfulness and the promises in Your Word that have been spoken over my life through Jesus Christ my Lord! Today, help me to walk in them fully. Help me to see Your sovereign hand at work in the world, and in my life!

In Jesus Name!