Today on Perry and Shawna Mornings we move further into the story of Joseph (Genesis chs. 37, 39-50).  Joseph suffered so much injustice:  Sold into slavery by his brothers, accused of a crime he didn’t commit, spent years in prison though he was innocent.  But over the years God’s unseen hand was putting the pieces in play for Joseph to be used extraordinarily in God’s plan to save the world. 

So first we talk about how Joseph’s skills, abilities and character were fine-tuned as a slave and prisoner.  As a teenager, he was arrogant and prideful.  But the hardships of being a slave and prisoner taught him humility, empathy and kindness.  And we are being fine-tuned in suffering as well.  And like Joseph we can become people who don’t brag about our own dreams but call out the dreams in others! 

Then Perry shares how Joseph’s story is hitting close to home right now.  He’s been feeling some depression over the last few months.  And similar to Joseph, it’s hard to see in the dark.  But this thorn is producing humility and faith and gentleness in Perry.  This is what all suffering in the way of Jesus does.  It matures us.  It prepares us.  It recreates us. 

And finally, the story of Joseph shows us the power of forgiveness in a family:  God softened Joseph’s heart and gave him the ability to forgive his brothers and be reconciled to his family.  If your family has brokenness, if you have a relationship that isn’t right in your own family, ask for forgiveness.  Extend forgiveness.  Watch heaven come to earth in your family as you forgive and ask for forgiveness.

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