When we are very low, God is renowned for coming through for us. I am reminded of the story of Joseph, thrown down an empty well by his jealous brothers, so he could die. And see what God did:
So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. (Emphasis, mine)
Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.
So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Genesis 37:23-28 [NIV]
We know how this ended. Joseph later (see chapter 41) became the Prime Minister of the land of Egypt and he was used by God to save his brothers from famine. God’s grace makes the difference between life and death!
Joseph had been given a vision by God that he would rule over his brothers and family (Genesis 37 vs. 1-11). This would happen in Egypt, though God didn’t give these details. However, Joseph didn’t have transport or means to get to Egypt and furthermore his brothers said “impossible” to God’s vision, and they hated him for it.
Friends, nobody can stop God’s plans. Grace can make the despised, kings. It will ensure that you reach your destiny.
Grace with Max Lucado, “Grace On The Fringe”
Farai Mutsambiwa
PS. If you have been reading the devotional links this week, you will by now have observed that Reverend Max Lucado is a well-respected man of God. One of his latest books entitled The Christmas Candle, has just been turned into a film. I believe this was shot in Gloucestershire, England and is due for UK release on 29 November 2013. I recently watched the US premier event on TBN. Highly recommended for family enjoyment this Christmas:
http://www.thechristmascandlemovie.com/
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