“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. Though the stories of such notable figures 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. This you can be sure of, because whatever happens is accomplished through the infinite power of God, according to His will (Rom. 8:28).
Not 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. 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 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 sequence 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. And if He ordains the rain to water the earth to produce grain and nurtures the lilies of the field so they bloom in due season, don’t you suppose He’s taking care of you 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 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 that 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!
Contemplations
- The Providence of God in Every Detail. The story of Joseph is a profound testimony to God’s sovereign providence. He was sold, betrayed, imprisoned, forgotten—yet, through all of it, God’s hand was guiding his every step. Do I trust that every hardship in my life is part of God’s design? When trials come, do I respond with faith, knowing that He is working all things together for my good? (Rom. 8:28)
- Recognizing the First Cause. We often attribute events to secondary causes—natural circumstances, human decisions, or even “luck.” But Scripture declares that God is the First Cause of all things. The rain falls, the sun rises, the seasons change, and my heart beats—all because of Him. On pondering this reality, I not only acknowledge His hand in the details of my life but I can also live with a sense of awe and dependence on His sustaining power.
- Finding Rest in Divine Control. If God governs all things with infinite wisdom and power, then why do I worry? Fear often stems from forgetting that my life is in His hands. As Joseph’s confidence rested in the truth that God—not man—was the author of his story, I can rest in the same assurance because I am also His child.
- Seeing God in All Things. As a believer, I am called to recognize God’s presence in creation, providence, and redemption. Every moment, every breath, every provision comes from Him. But when I look at the world around me, do I just see nature, or do I see the hand of the Creator? Do I respond with adoration for the One who upholds all things?
Prayer
O Lord, my sovereign God, my soul bows before You in awe of Your providential hand that governs all things. The heavens declare Your glory; the earth displays Your handiwork. Not a sparrow falls apart from Your will, not a blade of grass bends without Your decree. You are the Author of all things, the First Cause of every event, the One who orders history for Your glory and the good of Your people. How marvelous are Your works, O Lord! Your wisdom is unsearchable, Your power unmeasurable, and Your providence beyond comprehension.
Yet, O Lord, how often do I doubt what Your Word has made plain! I am slow to trust when trials arise and quick to fear when my path is unclear. Forgive me for failing to rest in Your sovereign care. Forgive my anxious heart that seeks to control what You alone govern. Teach me, Father, to trust in Your perfect will and rejoice in Your wisdom, because I know that all things serve Your purpose. Let me not complain about my difficulties nor doubt Your goodness when the road is hard.
I give thanks, Lord, that You do not govern from afar, but You are intimately involved in the lives of Your people. As You upheld Joseph in both the pit and the palace, so You uphold me in every season. You are my refuge and my sure foundation. How great is Your faithfulness, O God! From the rising of the sun to its setting, You are worthy of my praise.
Grant me grace, Lord, to see Your hand in all things. Whether in joy or sorrow, in abundance or want, let my eyes behold Your work. Strengthen my heart to trust in Your providence that I may walk in confidence, knowing that You ordain all things for my good and Your glory. Lead me, O Lord, in the way everlasting, that I may live to magnify Your name.
Lord, You are my portion forever. Let my soul find its rest in You alone. I trust in Your wisdom, I submit to Your will, and I rejoice in Your sovereign care. In the name of Christ, my Redeemer and King, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Genesis 45:8
Gen. 45:5, 41:16, 45:7; Acts 7:10
