Buying and Selling
When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
Genesis 39:1 (NLT)
The story of Joseph reminds us that even in the midst of painful or seemingly unjust events, God is still in control. The traders only saw a transaction of buying and selling, but behind the natural, God was developing a greater plan. What looked like a human business deal was actually the beginning of a divine mission to save an entire people.
- Men see transactions, God sees purposes
To the traders, Joseph was only an object of commerce. However, to God, he was a beloved son who would be placed in the right strategic position to fulfill His eternal purpose. - What others intend for harm, God transforms into blessing
Joseph’s brothers sold him out of envy, but that action became the door that led him to the government of Egypt. Many times what seems like a setback is actually progress in God’s plan. - The “sale” opened new dimensions in Joseph’s life
After being sold, Joseph reached better places: he worked in the palace, gained influence in government, and was prosperous in everything he did. God always has a promotion hidden behind a trial. - God uses our trials to bless others
Joseph’s suffering not only blessed him but also opened the way to save his entire family in times of famine and to establish Israel as a nation. Our trials have the power to become testimonies and blessings for many.
What seemed like a simple business of slavery turned into God’s plan to accomplish His eternal purpose. In the same way, even if there have been moments of “sale,” loss, or injustice in your life, God is still using them to take you to a place of greater influence, blessing, and purpose.
When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
Genesis 39:1 (NLT)
Think About It:
- What situations in your life that seemed unfair could have been part of God’s plan to lift you higher?
- How can you learn to trust that God works everything for your good, even what seems negative?
- What blessings can you share with others today that were born out of past trials in your life?