January 14

Sent by God

God sent me before you to preserve you a prosperity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Genesis 45:7, KJV).

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-8

Song: “Where He Leads Me”

“The will of God is always a bigger thing than we bargain for,” Jim wrote to his fiancée Elizabeth while he finished seminary. She read the letter with hope for their future. God had called them to a remote tribe who had not heard the gospel. A few years later, Jim was killed by the very tribe he was trying to reach. Rather than flee in fear, Elizabeth carried on the work. Her perseverance showed the Auca Indian tribe how much God loved them. Many became followers of Jesus.

Joseph said three times to his brothers, “God sent me.” He had endured wrongful accusations, slavery, and imprisonment. Yet he remained steadfast in the belief that God was working in it all for His will. It was through Joseph that God saved Israel.

Pain can breed bitterness. Injustice can evoke retaliation. It is difficult to understand God’s purpose while we are in the trenches of suffering. But God invites us to look to Him for direction. He commissions us to spread His light. We are sent for the good of people. Raise your head! Hold to your faith! God is working. Ask Him for eyes of faith. Then, steady on.

Lord God, thank You for Your master plan. Help us to walk with steady feet in unshakeable faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

January 14–20. Kathleen Dunlap lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and Great Dane. She enjoys cooking new recipes, crocheting, and going on Sunday afternoon drives with her family.