“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV 

This second week of March has been a challenge. I have noticed that specific individuals in my life are trying to set me up for failure, but I know one thing, God is in control. When I think about Joseph and how his brothers have treated him, I can’t complain, but I do. Genesis 50:20 elaborates on being called, chosen by God to do the most challenging task in our lives, to endure. Why do I have to take so much? Sometimes I look at my life and notice that for 70% of my life, I was going through difficulties and had some control over my choices. However, for 30% of my life, I will put it in the category “It’s not my fault” so that I will not be held accountable for my actions (LOL).

I wish life were that simple, but it’s not. God has a laid-out plan for me, and I mean a laid-out plan. I have some control, but He controls it all. God’s goals have been decided and arranged in advance. So, what does Joseph have to do with you, Diana? I will tell you. Joseph's brothers thought that they were going to stop God’s plan.   Genesis chapters 37-50 discuss Joseph's rise, fall, and rise (again). Yes, Joseph was sold by his brothers because of jealousy, falsely accused of a crime, was released from prison at the age of thirty, and then God blessed him with favor from Pharaoh. And He became second in command over Egypt. God was always with him, but Joseph’s timing was not God’s timing, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9(NKJV). 

Joseph endured, and God was faithful. God continues to meet the needs of his people even through hardships. So, yes, I should be grateful for all that God has done for me, and I should always praise Him through my problems and blessings, James 1:17. I thank you for everything you have done and will do in my life.

Please continue to pray for one another and yourself. As prayers go up, blessings come down. May God bless you all and take care.