This morning I woke up with literally seven thoughts not only vying for first place in my mind, but often trading places with each other in only a fraction of a second: But what if…? How did…? When am I going to…? Why did…? Eggs, bread, bananas, milk…. Did I remember to…? “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna….” True story!

After brewing some coffee, I headed straight to my “reading chair” to have some time with my Creator. My mind was still racing as I began my assigned reading for today. [Watch for a future post about this very dilemma that we all seem to face at some time or another, and how I use “assigned readings” to help combat this problem!] This morning’s reading was from Genesis 45, and my assignment was to answer the question, “What purpose did God have for Joseph?” The awesome answer came from a man (Joseph) who was speaking to those who had lied about him, taunted him, beaten him, and sold his nearly-lifeless body to the first-available buyers:

“But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.” Genesis 45:5-8 [emphasis mine]

“It was God!” What amazing words! He allowed it, not to be mean or unloving, but because of a great love born out of His sovereign knowledge of what is best in order to bring about the desired result! WOW!

Following that time of reading, prayer, and the resulting praise, the Lord placed an old song in my heart and mind that reminded me of Joseph, and how God’s perfect peace was greater than all that Joseph faced! I’ll end today’s post with the lyrics. Tomorrow, I plan to share an incredible background story that goes along with this song! If these words and truths, along with the verses from Genesis 45, can’t calm a troubled mind, I don’t know what will!

HE GIVETH MORE GRACE

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure;
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

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Thank you for taking time to read “It Was God!” Please feel free to leave a comment or question.