Learning To See From a Heavenly Perspective

If anyone could have turned into a bitter and hostile man surely it was Joseph.



Despised by his brothers. Sold into slavery. Dead to his father. Unjustly accused and imprisoned. Forgotten by those he helped.



But look at how he responds to his brothers once he has risen to power and they need his help:



"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....to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God." (Genesis 45:5, 7-8a, NIV)





Oh, that I would be so quick to recognize the sovereign hand of God and to see circumstances from a heavenly perspective! Everything happens for a reason, and even things we consider as bad, God can use for good (though it may not feel like it at the time).



When their father Jacob died, Joseph's brothers humbled themselves before him, fearing that he would exact retribution for the way they had treated him. But once again Joseph responds in grace and forgiveness, realizing God's sovereignty.



But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid, Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:19-20, NIV)



Father, thank You for using hard times not only to draw us closer to You, to grow us, and to teach us, but also to prepare us for what lies ahead, to help us examine ourselves and our beliefs, to be stronger and better people. Help us to learn how to see earthly circumstances from a heavenly perspective, and be quick to extend forgiveness and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.