"It was not you...but God"

Genesis 45:8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."

Last night in youth group, we finished the major characters of Genesis. Joseph (the coat of many colors) was our last discussion for the night. Joseph, being the favorite of his father, should have had a "charmed" life. However, he endured much suffering -- betrayal, rejection, being a victim, imprisonment, false accusation, long periods of waiting, serving outside his comfort zone...he had every reason to be angry and bitter. But he wasn't. How could he not take advantage of the chance to get back at his brothers? How could he not gloat over the fact that there came a time when they were pleading with him to save their entire family? I could go on and on. If you have not read this passage of scripture for awhile, you should. Genesis chapters 37 - 45 inspires us to remember that God doesn't forget us during the dark days. No, he takes all the valley time and weaves it into the plan for our lives that will eventually bring Him glory. If we let Him.

God is good. All the time. And all the time, God is good. Rather than lashing out at those around us, or blaming others for the circumstances of our life, we need to look to God. He's in charge.

Don't we want Him in charge?