But God (7)

Have you ever questioned God? Questioned what He was doing or what He was allowing to happen? Of course, we all have. But no one has ever had more reason to do so than Joseph. We’ve talked about his story from the Old Testament before. But did you know that there’s a condensed version in the New Testament book of Acts?

“The [ten elder] patriarchs, overwhelmed with jealousy, sold [their younger brother] Joseph into [slavery in] Egypt; but God was with him, and He rescued him from all his suffering, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made Joseph governor over Egypt and over his entire household” (Acts 7:9-10, Amplified Bible). 

Did you see the pivotal “but” in the passage? “But God was with him…” That little phrase meant all the difference. From a slave to a ruler. From confusion to clear thinking. From being mistreated to special favor. The contrast is astounding!

And what does that have to do with us? It’s the principle that God is ever present. Isn’t that what Psalm 139 is all about? David says:

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

(Psalm 139:7-10)

Jesus Himself said to His disciples, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV). How could He do that when He was leaving them? By sending His Spirit, who could be with all of them, no matter what, no matter where, and with all of us who are His followers. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7, ESV).

We may have problems today, but God is with us. We may be discouraged, but God can give us hope. We may be in turmoil, but God has promised peace. If the God of Joseph is our God, what do we need to fear? Is there anything He can’t overcome? 

Other blogs in the “But God” series:
But God (1) | But God (2) | But God (3) | But God (4) | But God (5) | But God (6) | But God (7) | But God (8) | But God (9) | But God (10)