We've moved into one of my favorite historical accounts in Genesis - Joseph's story. I never cease to be amazed at his unwavering faith and trust in God.
I cannot imagine being ripped away at the age of 17 from my family, friends, and all that is familiar and sold into slavery - especially by my siblings. I would guess that the trip to Egypt in the company of the Midianite traders was no picnic for Joseph. I would imagine he was treated very poorly, and probably wasn't given much to eat. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
Fast forward to life in Potiphar's house. It seems like life may be getting better for Joseph when Potiphar trusts him to the extent of leaving Joseph in charge of everything. Joseph has kept his eyes focused on God. I'm guessing that all the times Joseph witnessed God providing for and delivering his father, Jacob, from trouble did not escape Joseph's notice, and as a result Joseph's faith and trust in God deepened. So Joseph is honest, trustworthy, and living a life above reproach. When all of a sudden Potiphar's wife doesn't get what she wants so she lies about Joseph and he's thrown into prison - all because he was honest, trustworthy, and living a life above reproach. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
In prison, life got as good as it probably could for Joseph. Once again God was with Joseph and gave Joseph favor in the sight of the prison keeper so Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners. When Joseph accurately interprets the cupbearer's and baker's dreams, he asks the cupbearer to remember him once he is released from prison, but the cupbearer doesn't keep his promise to Joseph - and two more long years go by with Joseph stuck in prison. If anyone had a 'right' to become bitter and angry, Joseph certainly did, didn't he?
I am convinced that through all of the wrongs done to Joseph, he chose to forgive - over and over, again and again. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could remain honest and trustworthy. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could keep his eyes focused on the LORD. Forgiveness is the only way Joseph could continue to trust the LORD to deliver him, as He had delivered Jacob. And at the end of the story, forgiveness is the only way Joseph could say to his brothers "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
For Christians, forgiveness is the only answer, it is the only option. It is something God commands us to do. It is something Jesus models for us time and time again.
But someone may say, "You don't know what he/she did to me. You don't have a clue how much he/she hurt me." You are right, I don't. But God does, and He is asking you to trust Him and to forgive the other person. You see, God knows that the anger and bitterness is damaging you more than anyone else. Neil T. Anderson (founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries) says that to NOT forgive is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
God is asking you to forgive so you can be healthy, whole, strong, and balanced...something that is just not possible when you are dealing with the open wound of bitterness.
If there is someone in your life who has hurt you, and you would like someone safe to talk to about it, please feel free to contact me. I would be honored to walk you through the process of forgiveness so you can experience the freedom and joy in life that Christ died to give you.
I love that ....to NOT forgive is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. That is good - may want to borrow that sometime!
ReplyDeleteJoseph's faith had to have been very deep - I think most of us would have railed a least a little at God for the circumstances - I can think of times I maybe didn't rail but complained and whined!