But God Will

I've just finished reading again the story of Joseph (Genesis 37 - 50). The man went through amazing ups and downs between the ages of 17 and 40. Almost killed by jealous brothers; sold into slavery; climbs the ladder where he is "employed"; unjustly thrown into prison; becomes assistant prison warden; assured of help by a person of influence; forgotten for two years and finally is ushered into the presence of the powerful Pharaoh.
Joseph, slave and prisoner now is invited to interpret Pharoah's dream. And he says "I cannot do it but God will."
I can only imagine how many dark despairing moments Joseph experienced over the 13 years between being sold into slavery and being appointed Prime Minister of Egypt. How often did He wonder if God had abandoned him? And yet his faith never dies.
His brothers are terrified when they realize powerful man before whom they stand is the same helpless brother they almost killed and sold as a slave two decades earlier. Here was the man who to them was as good as dead. And now their lives hang by a thread held in the all powerful hands of  Joseph. His life for 17 years had in effect been devastated and ruined by their inhumane, ungodly actions. Yet Joseph affirms not once but three times "God sent me to Egypt."
Of course, as with Joseph, it is easier to see the hand and plan of God in our lives when we look back. It is more difficult to believe that God is at work right now in my situation. Yet we learn from a life like Joseph that the Sovereign God of Scripture is in control. We remember the wonderful promise for all believers, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."Romans 8:28