09 18 07 The Master’s Plan
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.” Genesis 50:20 NIV)

The overall purpose and plan of God will always prevail. Question is, will we embrace His plan for us and allow Him to work through us, or circumvent His perfect will for our lives by intervening for our personal degree of comfort? Joseph could have easily given up hope in the dessert; as a slave, or while in prison, but he held out hope and trusted God. He even forgave his brothers who meant to do away with him for good, and promised to care for them and his family. Joseph now stands as a witness for us all to the glory of God!

So what does this account of Joseph’s life say to us in 2007? Jon Walker, in the Purpose Driven Life on-line devotional says this:

You can accept the past.
You can embrace the present.
You can look expectantly toward the future.
And He proposes this question:
What will you allow God to change?

In the midst of present distress of this world, Paul has suggested God’s future promises as a source of hope and strength. The Spirit of the living God within us gives us strength as well. We also can find strength in knowing God is working every detail of our life to His perfect end, His perfect and eternal purpose. This promise is not for everyone, but only to those who love Christ and are justified by His precious blood.

So as a believer, what are we holding onto, what is keeping us from a full and trusting relationship with the Lord? Is it our past, a present struggle, or fear of what’s coming? What do we need to give over to the Lord? If God says we are His and He has a plan for us, why are we allowing someone or something else tell us “NO”? Is that not what Satan did back in the Garden? Do we still believe his same lies? You and I must trust THE MASTER’S PLAN!

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
(Romans 8:28 NET)