God is Always Preparing Us

Hello there! I simply cannot believe it is the last day of July…tomorrow my back-to-school to-do list will suddenly be on my mind. I’m ready to start my new position, but not ready for the work behind condensing my classroom into a tiny office. Eeek!

As I’ve been going through my Bible study, There’s a Fly in my Tea (affiliate link), with my online study group, the Lord has continued to use it in my life. I know that seems odd…since I wrote it, but it is the truth! This summer study has been so good for me!

This last week, I encouraged the group to read Genesis 37-50 in preparation for a chapter on service. As I reread these chapters about Joseph, the Lord had me considering this idea of preparation (and forgiveness) as well.

If you are unfamiliar with the life of Joseph, I’ll try to give you a brief summary here before I jump in to this quote:

Joseph’s brothers hated him, envied him, and wanted to kill him. He was sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned, and then forgotten in prison. He was the only one–he gives God all the credit–able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams warning of the coming famine. Pharaoh then sets Joseph up as ruler over the land of Egypt.

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers come to buy food from Egypt, and we get to read about an amazing story of forgiveness and restoration.

Joseph was never angry or bitter.

Instead, he says things like this (emphasis mine):

“…be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” 45:5

“And God sent me before you to preserve you…” 45:7

“…it was not you that sent me hither, but God…” 45:8

“Fear not: for am I in the place of God?” 50:19

“…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” 50:20

All throughout the story, Joseph has an understanding that God had put him exactly where he needed to be for a greater purpose.

God had prepared Joseph for what he had prepared for Joseph.

And he does the same for us…

God is always preparing us for what He has prepared for us.