Darkness Into Light

I have read the Bible cover to cover dozens of times. I know what you are thinking...yes, you would think I would be a more perfect disciple by now. It is a conundrum to me as well. Be that as it may, working my way through the Bible this time, I am again on the story of Joseph, who is sold by his brothers into slavery. All seems lost, and hopeless, but in the end turns out to be just what God wanted to happen in His plan to save His people. After a bout as a slave, and then imprisoned, Joseph ends up being Pharaoh's right hand man, controls the grain storage during famine, and in the end, saves the nation as well as the family that had so long ago treated him so shabbily. It is a wonderful story of forgiveness, mercy, and hope in the midst of despair.

I have read the passage so many times that if I had a decent memory, I would know it by heart, word by word. Every time Joseph reveals himself to his brothers who have no idea he is still alive, I want to cry. He tells them not to worry, not to feel guilty over what they had done to him. He forgives them, telling them what they meant for harm, God meant for good. I crumple in a heap of tears and wonder over the transformation, the mercy, the forgiveness, the love... And especially over the intricate, inscrutable plan of God that brings the Phoenix from the ashes over and over and over again.

We all feel like Joseph at one time or another- betrayed by those we love, wrongly accused, in hopeless circumstances, certain there is no way out. What an encouragement it is to know that out of such impossible situations, Joseph was raised up by God to ultimately save his people. Look at all he overcame, with God at his side, through such unspeakable misery! What a glorious reminder that when things look their bleakest, the light breaking through is all the more magnificent, comforting and powerful, as it pierces through the blackest night.

2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV)
You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.

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