²⁰ You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result… (Genesis 50:20a CSB)

Our scripture today comes at a time 13 years after Joseph had suffered being sold as a slave, wrongly accused and incarcerated. 13 years! How many of us would have given up in that time?

Many of the stories in scripture come at a time well after a time of testing or hardship. Often this time was to allow for some level of growth or cleansing that the individual or individuals had to suffer through. The test was were they going to rely upon God throughout.

Today we can scarcely go through a day or a week of trying times and feel that our entire lives are beset.

However, I have known those pillars of strength and faith who have suffered long periods of trial. Especially with health issues and I have been inspired by their ability to overcome.

Our lives are a tapestry of highs and lows. If we saw just how many times that the foot prints in the sand were singular because Christ was carrying us through….