He has a plan...even in the darkness.

But Joseph said to them, " Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genensis 50: 19-21




Everytime I read the story of Joseph's encounter with his brothers after so many years...I am in amazement of his Forgiveness--his genuine forgiveness. How did he do it? I think of how they sat together so long ago and plotted to get rid of their own brother. I imagine the looks on their faces as they stripped him of his robe and shoved him in to the cistern (Genesis 50: 23-24). I wonder what the fall must have been like for Jospeh--was he injured? And the darkness that surrounded him when he reached the bottom--was it overwhelming?

Once the brothers shove Joseph into a world of darkness, they have lunch and discuss alternatives to killing him. What evil must have lurked in their eyes when they made the decision to sell their brother into slavery? I cannot imagine how hardened one's heart must become to take such actions.

And yet, Joseph, when he finally has the chance to take revenge on his brothers--reassures them, speaks kindly to them, takes care of them. Why? Joseph got it! He understood that God's plan for his life might be full of people who meant him harm, but God "intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done." (Genesis 50: 20).

When we trust in God--believe in His plan for us--there is no room for grudges. Because grudges hold us back, smother our joy; distort our relationship with God. Grudges harden our hearts; they slowly chip away at the softeness that allows us to care, love, give, feel.

And I say this, not from judgement, but experience. Because it's hard to forgive. Our humaness is so full of self that we focus on what is being done to us or said about us. And we forget that God has a plan for us, a good plan. And if we trust in that, no kind of darkness that we fall into or are shoved into is bigger than His plan.

Thank you God for Your plan!