And God sent me before you

to preserve for you

          a remnant on earth,

and to keep alive for you

                 many survivors.

So it was not you

who sent me here,

                       but God.

                 Genesis 45. 7-8

(Forgiveness releases us

    into God's higher purposes.

Joseph trusted God

    in every turn of events,

knowing he was in God's hands,

    even in unlikely places

God's purposes run a lot deeper

          than we can imagine.

And it is never all about us.

We have only to be faithful

   and know He is in this

            to bring His glory here.

"Trust Me in this.")

O LORD,

How much easier our way

                if we trusted You,

and not dragged along

      resentments and worries

              and fears?

How many times do You try

                  to convince us,

     "Do not be afraid.

      I am with you?"

Help us to be faithful to You.

Help us to know that

    Your strength

                 and courage

    are being built in layers

as we follow You in the ordinary.

You live, O Almighty One.

    And that changes everything.