Redemption Road: When God Restores What You Lost (Part 1)Sample

Joseph: Your Story Helps Restore Others

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)

One of my favorite passages is Luke 22:31-32 because it humbles me. It reminds me that my imperfections will cause me to fall short, and it is not a matter of if but when. In fact, the word “when” in verse 32 confirms that at some point, all of us will need to turn our hearts back to God. Why? Because our journey is purposeful. Christ is interceding for our redemption, and other people rely on our testimonies. As we finish the story of Joseph, we see what happens when we view our circumstances through the lens of purpose.

In Genesis 42-45, Joseph is restored and promoted. During a famine, he has been elevated to a position of authority and gets to determine who receives aid. Among those who come searching for help are his brothers. At that moment, Joseph has two choices—turn them away or help them despite their evil actions. Everything he had gone through culminated led up to this moment. God had fulfilled his prophetic dreams. He had elevated Joseph to prominence and placed him in a community where he was respected.

Most of us would understand if Joseph chose to use his position to find some solace in revenge. However, he chose the better thing. He chose grace. He chose to honor his journey by doing what would bring God the greatest glory.

In Genesis 45, after revealing his identity to his brothers, he assures them that he holds no grudges because God had used his journey for the salvation of others. What an amazing perspective and testimony! What started as a messy and heart-wrenching situation uniquely positioned Joseph to be a vehicle for God’s deliverance of many.

You and I have the same options every day. As we reflect on our present circumstances, we can choose between keeping our journey a secret or allowing God to use our experiences. Our story may not be exactly like Joseph’s, but God wants to use us in the same way. When God restores us, it is not for us to hoard our new blessings. It is for us to share the redemptive power of Jesus Christ in hopes that it encourages fellow believers and demonstrates God’s love and power to unbelievers.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your completed work. You know that the journey has not been easy, but I trust Your word in Jeremiah 29:11, that Your plans for me are good, and that You will bring me to an expected end. I pray for Your grace to forgive those who have hurt me and for the strength to share what You have done in my life. Help me recognize where the enemy wants me to remain a hostage of the past so that I can fully walk in the authority and freedom You have given me.