I am reminded this morning of the story in Genesis of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers...he lucked out, they didn't. Even as he found favor with the Pharaoh, they were bouncing on the bottom, getting flattened by life. (Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waiting for a train...quoting Janis, thinking Joseph...sorry!)
The brothers, all apologetic, come running to Joseph, admitting they were no-good and rotten for doing him dirt and crying for help. And Joseph said, in effect, they meant it for ill, but God meant it for good.
Those of us who had to crash and burn to find the God of our own understanding seldom got up taking any responsibility for our fall...we had someone to blame. Face it, having someone to blame is perfect peace...in the moment. Trouble is, it just leads to more personal pain in the form of self-hate.
Until we make our U-bie and start our journey seeking grace through spiritual growth, we will look out there for someone to blame. That's akin to picking up mud and slinging it in our own face.
Joseph's story...his punchline...is the harbinger of peace. When we accept responsibility for our fall(s), we become accountable and lose the desire to blame and shame ourself and/or others. There it is...we know peace.
By God's grace, we are invited to let off the hook the very person or happening that we, in our guilt, have blamed. Quite simply, we see it from another angle...from my view to My view. Turns guilt into gold every time.
Thank you.
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