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Read Genesis 42:35-36

Genesis 42:35-36

So the brothers are unpacking, and there, in each one of their sacks, is their silver! When their father Jacob sees their money pouches, they all freak. Jacob says to them, You deprive me of my sons. Joseph is gone, and Simeon is gone, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!

Everything is Against Me:

I’ve never done this before, but, I have a few things I’d like you to pray about if that’s OK with you. My family has had an interesting three months. In chronological order, here’s what’s been happening (I’ve listed these in such a way as to protect the privacy of each person):

An older close family member is diagnosed with cancer, she has only months, or even weeks left (I thank God this person’s a believer): 3 months ago.

Another close family member is experiencing serious health problems — we’re still looking for answers: Also 3 months ago.

Another close family member is diagnosed with a serious health issue and undergoes major surgery, she’s still recovering: 2 months ago.

Another close family member, suffers an injury and requires help every few days: 1 month ago.

Another close family member is diagnosed with a serious health problem: Also 1 week ago.

Another close family member is admitted into ICU: Found out last night.

(I just realized, I need to set up a macro to type, “Another close family member”)

You might think this sounds kind of like a country western song. And similar to Jacob, I might be tempted to think, “Everything is against us.” But wait, thinking back, what have I been praying for over the last four or so months? As I ponder that question, I realize I’ve been praying to God: “turn our hearts toward You,” and “fill us with love for You, with all our hearts, and all our souls, and all our minds.”

When Jacob sees the silver in with the sacks of grain, he thinks back to what he thinks he’s lost. Joseph is gone! Simeon is gone! And now you want to take Benjamin!

Everything is against me!

But Jacob can’t see what our Lord sees. God sees what’s in store for Jacob. He knows the ultimate result of what’s happened will be good.

We’ll see in the following chapters, when Jacob travels to Egypt, he’ll be reunited with his son Joseph, who is now rich and powerful, and a hero to the nation of Egypt. Jacob will be received with honor. He and his family will be given the best land to settle in. God has in mind an extreme makeover of his entire family’s socioeconomic status. God has something spectacular in mind for Jacob, and his family. It turns out, by God’s grace, everything is not against Jacob. In fact, everything is working toward Jacob’s good, and toward a good way beyond Jacob.

That’s how it is for my family. And no matter what you’re going through, that’s how it is for you and yours. God used Joseph’s brother’s cruelty. God used Potiphar’s wife’s false accusations. God used Joseph’s time in the dungeon. God used the imprisonment of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. God used all these for good.

God can use all these illnesses, injuries, and problems in my family. God can use what seems to be bad, from our human perspective, in your life too. The point is…

God uses everything!

When I realize this, I recognize, I can’t see what He sees.

When I get this, I begin to have faith He’ll use the problems I listed for His glory, and to draw people to Him.

When I understand this, I recognize, I may not even learn what good has come from these problems while I’m still this side of heaven.

But God knows.

I know my family doesn’t have it nearly as bad as some of you reading this blog. And I know we’re blessed, way beyond what we deserve. Believe me, I know.

Even so, we’re taking some pretty good hits.

We need your prayers.

I appreciate anything you offer up to the Lord on their behalf.

I thank you in Jesus’ name.

And concerning whatever difficulty you or your family might be going through, have faith, because…

God uses everything.

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