Who Do I Blame?

SCRIPTURE: Gen. 45:5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.

OBSERVATION: Too often we blame people for "messing up our lives"--making us lose a job or pulling out of a friendship. We see here that although Joseph's brothers were acting wrongly, wickedly, God had a plan that was bigger than them all and God brought something very good out of something the brothers intended for evil. We need to have the same confidence--no matter what happens, God has a bigger, a better plan that He is working out, if we cooperate.

APPLICATION/CONFESSION: I find myself, at time, blaming my setbacks on others. Pointing my anger at them. I need to remember that God has a plan for those who love Him and serve Him that is bigger than what any person does. So, there is no reason to get angry at people. I can forgive them and know that God is working out something good--no matter what they do. I just need to keep focused on what God is calling me to do.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to keep my eyes on you. People will misuse me, people will desert me but you have a plan that will produce your will--a good will from a loving Father--if I forgive and stay consistent in my obedience to you. May I always, especially in the midst of pain and disappointment, remember that.