THE RETURN OF UNCONFESSED FEAR
«Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am in the place of God?'» (Genesis 50:19).
Jacob had died, and Joseph’s brothers once again feared his vengeance. Ellen White compares Joseph to Jesus. Both were sold for the price of a slave. Both aroused envy and jealousy. Joseph was sold to the Egyptians to impede the fulfillment of his dreams; Jesus was handed over by the religious leaders to the Romans to be put to death to fulfill prophecy. In both cases, betrayal made possible the fulfillment of what was feared: it was on the cross that Jesus became the Redeemer of the human race and the King of Kings, and it was in Egypt, the land of his exile, where Joseph became governor and provider for his brothers.
Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned because of his faithfulness; Jesus was hated and rejected because of his sense of justice and selflessness. Both were condemned by false witnesses, both showed humility and patience in the face of oppression. Both offered forgiveness to their adversaries (see Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 21, p. 239, 240.
Joseph offered his repentant brother’s forgiveness and peace of mind: «But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive» (Genesis 50:20). The day that you realize the hidden gift that can be found in everything that has happened to you, you will have found the best way to nourish your soul. Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 «We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.»
Are you being treated unfairly? Has your honesty resulted in unfair results? Do the envy and the jealousy of others interfere with your dreams and are they doing their best to destroy them? Do you fail to understand why you have been «sent into exile»? Is someone working to get rid of your presence? Is someone scheming to trap you and destroy your reputation? Have you been accused and condemned through false witnesses? Here is the example of Joseph and of Jesus: trust in God, because everything that happens to you has a purpose. Your dreams will become reality at the right moment. Simply maintain a compassionate, humble, forgiving attitude. God will work things out for your good; do not fear!
Today, think of something that was done to you with evil intentions but that was transformed into a blessing, not only for you but also for those who worked against you.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate