Monday meditation: We’re not as powerless as we sometimes feel

If anyone had reason to give up on God, it was Joseph. Sold into slavery by brothers who hated him. Unjustly accused by a woman whose advances he rejected. Imprisoned by her high-ranking husband who had trusted Joseph with everything but wouldn’t believe he was innocent. Languishing for long years in a dungeon, despite the fact that God had blessed him with the skills of an executive and the insight of a prophet.

But Joseph had the grace to see how God had used all of it “for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Today’s text takes us close to the end of the story. Joseph’s brothers have come to Egypt for food amid a famine that threatened their family with starvation.

Joseph’s power . . .

What power Joseph had as they bowed before him that day! It’s interesting and instructive to see how he used his power.

Although we know that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Joseph here demonstrates another truth. “Nearly all men can stand adversity,” Abraham Lincoln said, “but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

Joseph had all the power here. He could determine whether the brothers who almost killed him would live or likely die. But he used his power to further God’s will and to save the dysfunctional family that once had caused his despair.

. . . and ours

Our situation may seem different than his. We feel, and indeed we are, powerless to control what disease will do to the one in our care. Nevertheless, we have more power than we may recognize.

We can decide how we will pursue our caregiving duties.

We can make our loved one as comfortable as possible.

We can choose how we will react to surprising or unpleasant turns this disease will take.

We can accept help when it's offered or ask for what we need if no one volunteers.

We can plan breaks and replenish our strength to stick with the drudgery of caregiving.

We are not withering wisps controlled by the wind. We have the power to do the right thing each day. This is how we are like Joseph.

And as Joseph did, we can seek God for any power we lack. Joseph firmly believed God gave him everything necessary to take advantage of the opportunities before him. In spite of his great ability, he gave the credit to God for the possibilities presented by his brothers’ cry for help.

Who knows what possibilities God will show us amid our determination to stay faithful to him!

Read: Genesis 41:56; 42:1-8; 45:1-11

Pray: Heavenly Father, we recognize you as the same God who guided Joseph. So we boldly ask you for wisdom to see and strength to do what’s right. We cannot know the future any better than Joseph knew it as he endured injustice and discomfort. But we reaffirm this week our vow to handle the power you’ve given us in ways that will please you. And we’ll trust you to use all of it for good.

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