Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Does my father still live?" His brothers couldn't answer him; for they were terrified at his presence. Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." They came near. "He said, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. Now don't be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." Genesis 45:3–5 WEB.

Joseph was his father's favorite son, for he was born to him in his old age. He wore a tunic of many colors his father had made for him. The Lord gave Joseph dreams that he would be a ruler one day. Eventually, his older brothers became so envious they sold him as a slave to some traveling merchants. Then, they led his father to believe that a wild animal had killed him.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and became a servant in Potiphar's house. The man's wife became infatuated with Joseph. When he refused her advances, she accused Joseph of trying to rape her. So Joseph went to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Yet, he continued to serve God and use the gifts in his life wherever he found himself, even in prison.

Joseph had an exceptional character, and the Lord was with him. He didn't become filled with bitterness or spend all his time sulking in a corner, licking his wounds, and feeling sorry for himself. Joseph didn't get beaten down by past events. For that's all they were: events that happened in the past.

Joseph became the ruler over Egypt, and the day finally came when the brothers who wronged him stood before him, hungry and in need. Yet, when he was able to get even with his brothers, Joseph pardoned them and let them go. He knew that God was in control of his life. Joseph told them, "God sent me before you to preserve life."

When you hold onto bitterness against someone else, it's like drinking poison, thinking it will hurt them, but it will only hurt you. Joseph could have become an angry, bitter person that no one wanted to be around. He could have refused to help the others around him because of all the bad things he had been through, but it would have cost him his destiny. Using his gifts to help others is what eventually freed him from prison.

When they don't want to live with you any longer, let them go. God has someone better waiting who will treat you right. When you wrongfully lose your job, let it go. Consider it a promotion! For God has a better one coming, and you wouldn't have been available. When your family has treated you like trash, let it go. God has others who will love you in their place.

Stay sweet, and learn to walk in love. Turn to God, and He will wash you as white as snow and give you a fresh start, another chance. Like Joseph, God can lift you above those who scorn you. Instead of looking down on you, they may have to look up. So, hold onto God every day, but let go of the events that happened in the past.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me the grace to let go of my past. I want to serve You, Lord, and walk in all that You have for me today. Please guide me, teach me, and help me see people through Your eyes. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: For those who would like to join us, today we will be hosting our RHM Live Online church service. This is a special time of interactive worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! The service starts at 10am EST. Here is the link to join: RHM Live. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.