Genesis 50:15-21
15 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” 16 So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17 ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21 So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.
20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.
There’s an old phrase, “when God closes a door, he opens a window”. I’ve often found that phrase to be true. I’ve also found that when we ignore God’s call and try to go in another direction, God will slowly increase the pressure until we give in. This has happened to me more than a few times in my life and ministry.
The most dramatic story is about my decision to leave my home, job, and friends, to start seminary in Columbus. My job was interesting, I had wonderful friends in our community theater group, my two kitties and I lived in a comfortable apartment, and I was part of a dynamic Lutheran congregation. I did not want to uproot myself and wander off into the unknown world of seminary alone. So I dragged my feet and made excuses, pushing my entrance date back over and over again.
But God can be relentless. First, my work situation turned difficult for no apparent reason. I found myself answering for all sorts of vague complaints and being criticized for work that I had been praised for up to that point. Next, the theater group went through a rough patch where tempers flared and feelings were hurt all around. Finally, my Dad had a heart attack and I realized that it would be better for me to move back to Ohio.
I don’t believe that God made the mean girls in the office act that way, or the theater group to get angry with each other, or my Dad to get sick. I do believe that God used those situations to make it clear to me that nothing was going to be comfortable for me again until I answered God’s call. So I resigned, packed-up a rental truck, and moved to Columbus to start seminary. And God was right. There, I found the deep desire of my heart.
Prayer: God, you can be a real pest. Thank you for gently nudging us when needed and for the times when you push us hard. AMEN