“…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

This quote is from the story of Joseph. He was the eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob.

Joseph was his father’s favorite – and his brothers knew it. Joseph was also a dreamer. He had grandiose dreams of his future, which he told his brothers. He paraded around wearing the infamous ‘coat of many colors’ his father gave him. His brothers hated him so much they considered killing him – but sold him as a slave instead.

For thirteen years, Joseph went from being one man’s slave to another’s prisoner in Egypt. He must have given up on his dreams. But the Bible says, “the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love …” (Genesis 39:21 ESV).

The reason I’m writing about Joseph is because he thought he had everything figured out, but his life spiraled out of control.

One thing this COVID19 (aka corona virus) has taught us, is we are not in control. There is an invisible threat which endangers our lives. And we’re isolated. Not too unlike Joseph. But like Joseph, the Lord is with us and continues to show us his steadfast love.

Where? God shows us in:

Sunrises and sunsets,

Spring’s rebirth and beauty,

Our children’s affection and concern, and in

Those who compassionately serve us and our loved ones.

In this lenten season and anticipation of Easter – the celebration of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on our behalf – we look to God’s word for encouragement and hope. Hope was born on Easter. Death was conquered! The fear of death lost its sting to the reality of resurrection and eternal life.

In Joseph’s story, his brothers meant evil against him, but God meant it for good – to save lives.

In the Easter story, the Jews meant evil against Jesus, but God meant it for good – to save lives.

This corona virus may mean evil against us, but we can trust God – the same God – who takes what looks evil, and saves lives.

These times make us look around and question the existence of God and his goodness. Open a Bible and read. Taste and see the Lord’s goodness, Jesus’ loveliness. Happy is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8