Seventeen year old Joseph was sold as a slave into Egypt by his ten older brothers.  What went through his mind?  Unbelief at the hatred and the viciousness of his brothers?  He was his father’s favorite; but, that did not protect him far from home.

His brothers were intent on getting rid of Joseph by killing him.  Then… in the distance they saw a camel caravan headed toward Egypt.  Aha!  Sell him and not have blood on their hands.

God’s intervention in the life of Joseph saved his life.  Many people would say that it was “luck,” “fortuitous circumstances,” “good fortune” that a caravan went by.

Followers of Christ should “see” God’s interventions through people, circumstances and time.

Through all of these things which happened to Joseph we know he turned to God.  Joseph put his trust in the living God and became teachable.  God’s hand was on him – even in the very hard circumstances of his life.

Joseph recognized God’s intervention in his life and he expressed it to his brothers when he was older and wiser.

(NASB) Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”

God used Joseph’s circumstances to mature him and to cause his faith to grow in God.

Circumstances did not embitter Joseph because he trusted God.

He chose to put his faith in God despite his circumstances and the hard things he faced.

~ Take it to heart ~

Questions we can ask ourselves:

Are my circumstances and peoples actions toward me, making me bitter and resentful?

Or am I putting my faith, hope and trust in the living God of the Holy Bible?

Are my choices glorifying my God?