Revenge and Vindication?

And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5

Under what conditions would we say to the one who betrayed us, “Don’t be upset with yourself because you hurt me. God’s wonderful plan eclipsed all of it.” Oftentimes, we can see some good that God has brought out of betrayal, but we still want the one who inflicted harm to live with regret!

For many years, I didn’t really understand what it meant when God promises that all things will work together for my good. My good is supposed to be synonymous with His good. I have been called according to His purpose. Joseph wasn’t brought to power to compensate for the pain he suffered. The story wasn’t so much about him but about God’s plan to save His people. Joseph was privileged to play a part in God’s redemptive story.

I am considering the largest wounds of my life. God has definitely worked things together for good but the ‘good’ wasn’t revenge and vindication.  God brought about a larger plan of redemption.  I was to learn more from Jesus about His own suffering and how grace carried Him through to the cross.  From that place, I am to strengthen the church.  I am to bring wisdom to the next generation in my family so they can secure their spiritual calling. These are some of the possibilities that comprise ‘being called according to His purpose’.

The miracle of Joseph’s story was not that he was promoted to power in Egypt. It was the stunning work of grace, humility, and wisdom brought about as he waited for redemption. Not visible to human eyes, Joseph and God dialogued, wrestled, communed, and birthed a faith that not only forgave a family of wrongdoing but also made it possible for them to live in the joy of God’s extravagant mercy.

Lord, all over again I offer You my story for the expansion of the kingdom. Amen