God's Sovereignty

Have you ever wondered about how you ended up doing what you are doing for God? I have been reading the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 recently and I noticed something in chapter 48. Joseph had just revealed himself to his brothers who had come to buy food for their families. His brothers were upset because of how they had treated Joseph. Joseph says to them in 48:6, "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." In verse 7, Joseph goes on to say, "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant of earth.." and in verse 8, "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."

What I observed was that Joseph recognized God's sovereignty in his life even amidst all of the trials and suffering he endured at the hands of his brothers and Potiphar. Joseph could have grumbled and complained to God when he was sold into slavery by his brothers or sat in prison for two years because of false accusations, but he didn't. He instead trusted God and His sovereignty over his life and learned what it meant to follow Him no matter what happened or where he ended up. That message came out clear as he reminded his brothers that they had nothing to do with his position over Egypt, but God was the One who orchestrated all of his life events!

How about your life and ministry - do you recognize God's sovereignty over all? Take a moment and thank God for what He has done in your life and how He has led you to serve Him in a variety of ways.