Day Ten: Maybe

Each day this month, we will consider key moments in God’s glorious plan to redeem us. We will understand both the overarching story of God and the highlights of all he’s done for us in Christ.

Joseph, Jacob’s son, was convinced that God was totally in charge. Because of that, he was able to accept all the ups and downs of life.

Joseph shared dreams about how his future power would cause his family to bow down to him. Was that a good thing? Maybe.

Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him as a slave to some traveling traders. Those traders sold him to Potiphar, a powerful official in Egypt. Bad thing? Maybe.

Potiphar noticed Joseph’s great administrative talents. Soon Joseph ran his whole household. Good thing? Maybe.

Potiphar’s wife noticed Joseph’s good looks. She tenaciously propositioned Joseph. When he refused, she falsely accused him of assaulting her. Potiphar threw Joseph in jail. Bad thing? Maybe.

Joseph soon ran the whole prison. He interpreted a fellow prisoner’s dream — the chief cupbearer to Pharaoh — predicting that Pharaoh would restore him to his position. The cupbearer forgot about Joseph. Joseph lingered in prison. Bad thing? Maybe.

When Pharaoh had some disturbing dreams, he summoned Joseph, who interpreted them. The dreams predicted seven years of plenty, then seven years of famine. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of storing up provisions during the good years to prepare for the bad years, and Joseph became second only to Pharaoh in all Egypt. Good thing? Maybe.

To escape the famine, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph then sent for the rest of the family, and they all bowed down to this exalted ruler in Egypt. Under Joseph’s protection, they all moved to Egypt. Good thing? Maybe.

Eventually Joseph died, and the Egyptians enslaved these immigrants in their land. Bad thing? Maybe. 

God never says, “Maybe.” In him, both “good” and “bad” things work together for good. As Joseph said to his brothers many years after they sold him into slavery, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). No matter what happens, God has a glorious plan.

Lord God, help us to trust in you at all times, and especially during those dark times when things seem dark and hopeless. Use me today to encourage and strengthen any brother or sister going through difficult moments by praying with them and helping them remember that you can even use evil for good eventually.

Throughout This Day: Reflect on how God has used the hardest aspects of your life experience for good, in time.

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