God’s Writing Your Story

“Don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.” —Genesis 45:5

After Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, they were terrified he would retaliate against them. But Joseph reassured them that wasn’t his intent. “Don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here,” he said, “because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5).

You sold me. But God sent me.

Eventually, long after Joseph’s death, it became clear that the story God had written in the life of this patriarch foreshadowed another, far greater Story. The beloved, favored Son of the Father of life was also envied and mistreated by His brothers. Though He had done no evil and had steadfastly refused the tempter’s lure, He was sold for a pittance, cruelly abused, and violently murdered.

We sold Him. But God sent Him.

We meant evil against Him—but God meant it for good, to bring about life for many who were destined to die, that they might become His sons as well. What a wonder this Story is!