Love and the Outcome

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

When life sends us on a roller coaster, we often can't see God's hand in it until we've reached the end. Hindsight offers us a glimpse into God's purpose and leading that we somehow miss along the way. A classic game of dot to dot, we can connect all that we've faced and see a bigger picture. Hopefully, it leads us to the conclusion that God is indeed good. And though our lives are significant and the present time is our only reality, we are just passing through as a vapor to be used by God momentarily as He orchestrates the symphony of life.

Joseph was a young man; loved by his father, but hated by his brothers. A prophecy was given to him though a dream. He shared it with his family, which was the beginning of a painful ride for Joseph: He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had: we were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it." His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. 

- Genesis 37:6-8

After a second dream, which included even his parents bowing down to him, Joseph's brothers were lead by anger and jealousy to kill him. This week, we will unpack the painful ride that was Joseph's life. The dreams that led his brothers to murderous hearts were the same dreams that offered Joseph hope in the journey ahead. This is a remarkable story of God's purpose and leading; through pain, suffering, and years of confusion, to redemption and prophecy fulfilled. May it bring comfort and reassurance that even in seasons of pain or failure, God sees the full picture. He pulls us through darkness and trial and leads us to the other side. There is purpose, there is a will, and there is an Author who loves us; we can trust Him with our story, and the outcome.

Father,

You work in all things. You orchestrate and lead, even when we can't see it or understand it. I pray for wisdom to believe that no matter what we face or where our pain lies, you have purpose and your plan is always to lead us to the other side of it. Lord, give us courage to walk through it. Give us strength to endure it. And remind us of your power and love. Set eternity in our hearts, God, for we are just a vapor.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.