“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
Exodus 1:9-10//

Rather than work with the Israelites, Pharaoh worked against them. Perhaps Egypt would still He a great country if it had accepted God’s people. Lord, help me to work with people rather than against them.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:19-20//

God can use my sinful actions to positively affect the future of others.

When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Genesis 49:33//

Those who have Christ as their personal Lord and Savior will be united with their loved ones in eternity.

And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied.
Genesis 46:2//

If we listen to God, His message will become clear and may not come to us when we are fully conscious.

Isaiah 30:23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful.//

God expects me to do the “sowing” but He will work through circumstances to being blessings and growth into my life.

When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed.
Genesis 48:2//

Our children give us strength that is unparalleled from others.

Isaiah 30:19 People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.//

Wonderful reminder when we pray and nothing seems to happen.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Genesis 45:4-5//

God may send us ahead into foreign lands using uncertain circumstances to prepare the way for other believers.

The man did as Joseph told him and took the men to Joseph’s house. Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, “We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys. ”
Genesis 43:17-18//

Why do we always imagine the worst when we do not know what is going to happen? Lord, please look favorably upon my family, and keep us from harm and strife.

“My silver has been returned,” he said to his brothers. “Here it is in my sack.” Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”
Genesis 42:28//

Even when the Lord does good things for us, we blame Him if we do not understand.