The wells

I follow the McCheyne reading plan of the bible (commended to all so get hold of 'For the Love of God' by Don Carson) and have been going through the story of Joseph. There is lots of good stuff in it but I have been particularly struck by what it tells us about the soverignty of God. There is the most well known verse '...You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives'. This in fact refers to an earlier verse and comment by Joseph in Gen 45 where he says 'But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.'

So, the well of near death and despair actually worked out for Joseph's good (Gen 37) in terms is his character, family, his nation and the fortunes of Pharoah and Egypt. Isn't it funny though, how often we are thrown and panicked by the wells in our own lives. The mistakes and seemingly terrible circumstances were all part of the plan so beware it is at that moment that faith is in danger of taking a run. It is all gone wrong we tell ourselves -I am abandoned. The story rightly reminds us that even, and perhaps especially, God works his purposes though the wells of our lives.

So encouragement if you find yourself in a well and hear the words of the Saviour telling you 'Take courage! it is I. Don't be afraid' (Matt 14:27) .