“It was not you that sent me here, but God.” (Genesis 45:8)
The account of Joseph’s life is one of the most prominent displays of the providence of God in all of Scripture. Further, though the stories of such notable historical characters as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob fill the pages of Genesis, none occupies as much space or time as the story of Joseph (Gen. 37-50). For these reasons alone, we should pay close attention to what God wants us to learn about Him and His sovereign providence from Joseph’s life.
Starting with being thrown in a well and then sold into slavery by his brothers, a lot goes seemingly wrong early on in Joseph’s life. This promising young man couldn’t get a break no matter how much character he demonstrated. But behind the scenes of this unfolding drama the Master Playwright, God Himself, is at work. What appeared to be an inordinate string of random and unfortunate circumstances was in reality a pre-ordained script of divinely orchestrated acts that would eventually secure God’s covenant with Abraham and demonstrate for generations to come just how perfectly He keeps His promises.
As God’s child, you can garner hope from Joseph’s story; for what may seem to be random and unfortunate occurrences in your own life are, in truth, the movements of a sovereign God orchestrating His divine plan for His good purposes in your life as well. You can be sure of it.
Because whatever happens is accomplished through the infinite power of God, according to His will. Not even the smallest blade of grass that sprouts up out of the dirt, nor the atom that spins playfully in the atmosphere, nor the darting of chipmunks through the field occurs without the hand of the Almighty God being in it. We know that because Christ Himself affirms that even the “lilies of the field” are supported by the infinite providence of God their Maker (Matt. 6:28).
All creation – as well as all circumstances and events occurring in that creation – is tended, managed, manipulated, and energized by God’s influence. Listen to what God says in Hosea 2:21-22, “It shall come to pass in that day that I will answer,” says the LORD; “I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth. The earth shall answer with grain, with new wine, and with oil; they shall answer Jezreel.”
This interesting passage demonstrates what we would think of as a natural chain of events. The heavens respond to the earth and it rains, and the earth responds with corn, wine, and oil. But what looks to be a natural chain of events is, in reality, a succession of secondary causes… a “chain of command” if you will. And God holds the first link of that chain. God is the First Cause of all things and governs all things by His providential power.
If He ordains the rain to water the earth to produce grain… if He nurtures the lilies of the field so they bloom in due season… don’t you suppose He’s got you taken care of too?
People often talk about how wonderful it is to “connect” with nature. This is only beneficial, however, if you look beyond nature to see the Creator. When you look out your window into your backyard…do you see God in it? Do you see how He upholds everything that is by the Word of His power? Ezekiel Hopkins rightly said, “If we duly ponder the mysteries and wonders of nature, it will appear that it is as much Infinite Power to make a poor worm to crawl, or a sparrow to fly or to fall to the earth, as it was at first to create the world.”
If we take time to contemplate the infinite power behind God’s providence – that He not only knows all but has the power to control all so every jot and tittle conform to His ultimate will and plan for His universe… including you and me – we can do no less than worship and adore Him!
- Lord, I must first observe the work of Your providence before I can render praise to You for it. Your works are displayed throughout Your world, and at every turn I am called to praise and thanksgiving for each providence I see. It is Your due. If I fail to observe Your good works in the world, You are robbed of the praise I owe You for it.
- If I miss how Your providence works in the world and around me personally, I cannot enjoy all its benefits in my life. Whether from past providences or ones I will experience tomorrow, there is great joy in knowing that not only are You working for my good, but that I can discern and see it through the eyes of faith.
- Through Your providences, Lord, You draw near to me. You draw near in judgements, in mercies, in correction, in grace, in deliverance, in even saving me – most especially so. These visitations delight my soul, to know that Christ visits me so often by His Spirit!
- How can I pray if I am not aware of Your providences around me and in my life? I cannot direct my prayers to You if I am not aware of my situation and Your corresponding providences. My prayers must be suitable to my condition. Sometimes I should praise You, and sometimes I should be humbled. How can I prepare to meet with You if I am not aware that You are working in my life?
Further References for Gen. 45:8
Gen 45:5, 41:16, 41, 41:16, 45:7; Acts 7:10
