READ: GENESIS 37:18-28; 50:19-21; ROMANS 8:28

When Joseph was seventeen years old, his brothers wanted to kill him. So they threw him into a pit, then sat down and ate lunch. After lunch, they pulled him out of the pit and sold him into slavery instead. Then, later, the wife of Joseph’s new Egyptian slave owner tried to have sex with Joseph, and he refused. Her vengeance landed him in prison where he remained for years.

But eventually, Joseph became an important leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Because God was blessing Joseph, he was able to save nations from starvation during a huge famine. Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment led to countless lives being saved, including his own family. He was even reunited with his brothers, and he forgave their wrongdoing against him.

In a similar way, Jesus Christ came to earth as a human to love and forgive us. Though He is God the Son, He willingly took the position of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11). He healed people who were blind and deaf, made those who were lame walk, and fed the crowds. Yet He was beaten, mocked, and crucified. Jesus suffered horrible circumstances, ultimately enduring the cross to die for our sins. Jesus willingly paid that price so that we could be freed from our sin and receive His forgiveness. By His death and resurrection, countless people are being saved.

God’s love overcomes evil. Joseph endured great pain through the wrongdoing of his brothers, yet God used bad circumstances for good. Perhaps God used the trouble in Joseph’s life to mature him into a man who could forgive his brothers. Forgiveness is possible because God has extended His forgiveness to each of us through Jesus. Even on the cross, Jesus asked God the Father to pardon those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). We too can receive this amazing and complete freedom in Christ. Perhaps you are in a painful position because others have wronged you. The middle of a difficult place can sometimes be where God helps us learn, mature, and grow. Hardships can open opportunities for God to do great things. His forgiveness heals us all. • Mary Schilling

• God can use any situation to help us grow—both good situations and bad ones. What are some ways you have seen God use situations in your life to help you grow?

• If you know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in you, empowering you to forgive people who have sinned against you. Consider spending some time in prayer, asking God to help you notice any unforgiveness lingering in your heart and to lay it down at His feet.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)