Today's bible study is based on a story we all know too well: Joseph's forgiveness toward his brothers. But have you ever considered Joseph's heart posture to be miraculous. As I was studying the miracles of God, Genesis 50:20 had to be included because Joseph's awareness of the enemy's intent and God's grace is truly unthinkable. So often we let the things we encounter to make us change course on how we show up in the world. But, Joseph never let the spirit of perversion turn his heart cold toward those who harmed him.
I asked myself, "Why?" I was curious about why God would allow Joseph to be able to maintain his composure and the answer was right there in the scripture. Genesis 50:18-21 says, "Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them." Joseph had gotten miraculous insight on why God allowed him to endure so much.
Joseph was able to save so many lives because he had one thing in perspective. Joseph recognized he was not God. Joseph was able to trust the sovereignty of God's plan I believe this miracle is a reminder for all of us to trust that God has the ultimate say. We are all required to render our trauma and heart break to God so that we can walk closer with God. But most of all, we are beckoned to allow God to keep our hearts soft. Joseph had every right to be a bitter man but he opted to be a man who knew God's promises would come to past.
How many dreams has God given you that you have given up on? Joseph was in a prison for years before the vision he saw looked remotely true. While Joseph was in a forgotten place, he refused to forget the promise of God. Are there some promises God showed you that you have abandoned because you are in a hard place? As God, who miraculously kept Joseph steadfast and forgiving to allow you to encounter this miracle for yourself. God wants to give us the blessings He showed in His Word. We just have to be willing to ask.