J.A. Matteson
Be careful not to allow your perception of difficulty to define reality. "...Jacob said...'All these things are against me'" (Gen. 42:36). All that Jacob thought he knew to be true was in fact wrong. Joseph was not dead, neither was Simeon, and Benjamin would not perish. Beware of assuming the hand of divine chastening is at work when difficulty comes; at times it is, but not always. Often times God works His greatest mercies in the lives of His servants in difficulty. And frequently that which we are convinced of as being true turns out to be incorrect. We assume the worst rather than the best when trials arrive. Certainly we are left to wonder what conversations took place between Jacob and Joseph regarding his position in Egypt, for Jacob understood him to be dead. Did Joseph inform his Father of the treachery of his brothers? Whatever was discussed was in light of God's plan and grace, for God had revealed to him their actions were in fulfilling His purposes to save a chosen people and great nation. It is likely that the grace extended to Joseph was in turn extended to his brothers. Difficulty was followed by restoration. In this life difficulty is assured. In Jacobs case restoration came in this life. For many pilgrims the answers and restoration will not come until heaven. In the meantime we can trust Him who loves us, knowing that He is engineering all things for our ultimate good.
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