Facing Your Pain Pt. 1

Joseph was a man that knew something about forgiveness and overcoming bitterness. Most of us are familiar with the story that spans chapters 37-50 of Genesis. The naive teenage boy at odds with his brothers because of the family situation that he was born into. Jealousy and hostility grew and he was sold into slavery; thought never to be seen again. He spent over a decade either enslaved or imprisoned, being accused of assault and forgotten by those he had helped. After ascending to supreme power in Egypt and reuniting with his brothers, Joseph was in a position to treat them however he wished. And somehow, some way…he chose to forgive them.

After their father Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers, made up a lie about Jacob’s dying wishes out of fear. They feared that Joseph would seek revenge for their hateful actions. Instead, Joseph’s response is mind-boggling.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 50:20 ESV

Joseph did forgive his brothers, but there had to be another step before he could achieve that forgiveness. The type of love Joseph displayed could have only come from God.

Long before reuniting with his brothers, Joseph had let God into his pain. Yes, he did recognize God’s purposes in his pain, but Joseph also called out his brothers’ actions for what they were. Pure evil.

Most of us forgive so lightly. When someone apologizes or we are forced into confrontation we say things like, “oh, don’t worry about it” or, “it’s fine,” knowing that we are not fine. Healing is surface level because we haven’t done the hard work of interacting with our pain. Joseph knew the acceptance and freedom that God offers. Do you?

God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds! (Psalm 147:3)

• What pain are you holding on to right now? Where do you need to drop your guard and let Jesus in? You can simply say to Him, “Lord, this is HARD. Come into this area of pain and bring your healing love. I need You here in this wound.”

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.