Adversity Presents Opportunity

A lesson in perspective

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Genesis 45:1-46:12

Abbreviated Reading: Genesis 45

"...It was not you who sent me here, but God..." Gen.45:8

Adversity and opposition present opportunity for vision and victory – as seen in today’s reading.

Joseph had been ridiculed and betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and unjustly imprisoned. This would be cause for discouragement! But Joseph realized and recognized God’s sovereignty.

Here, Joseph is a wonderfu picture of Jesus - Just as Joseph’s rejection and persecution turned to victory, so did Christ’s. It was through Joseph’s rejection and hardships that he was able to save his family. And it is through Jesus’s death that we find life.

God allowed Joseph to be betrayed by his brothers and sent to Egypt in order to save a nation. And God sent His own Son, Jesus, to be betrayed and crucified in order to save the world.

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:10

Picturing Jesus’s grace, Joseph stood before his guilty brothers and forgave them, reassured them, and abundantly provided for them (Gen. 45:11).

That is what Jesus has done for you and me! We were guilty of sin, yet He forgave us. Our hearts have doubts, yet He reassures us. We wonder if He will take care of us, yet He does above all that we ask or think!

God’s Word is true. He keeps His promises! He is a faithful God who is trustworthy. Where He guides, He will provide. His love endures forever. His plans are perfect. His purposes are sure. If situations have you rattled, don’t despair! God promises to take us from glory to greater glory and we’ll arrive safely on the other side, guaranteed! (2 Cor 3:18)

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

He promises us peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7) and life everlasting (Rom 6:23). These plans are steadfast and cannot be thwarted!

Note: See also, for further reference I Chronicles 5:1-6; I Chronicles 2:18-55

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©