But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result -- the survival of many people." - Genesis 50:19-20
After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers were concerned that he might take revenge on them for all the bad things they had done to him. While there are many godly principles we might draw from Joseph's life history, I see two more here in his response.
First, there is no place for revenge in the heart of those who follow Christ. Jesus freely forgave and so must we. If it was not possible, He would have told us.
Second, God may allow us to suffer in order to bring about His plan and purpose. We may be martyred, endure persecution, or just simply be ridiculed in order that others might find eternal life with the Savior. After all, hope in the face of adversity invites inquiry from those who do not have it.
With these principles in mind, a child of God can know the freedom to serve wherever God may send.
... you will not get eternal life by simply feeling the presence of God in flowers or music. Neither will you get anywhere by looking at maps without going to sea. Nor will you be very safe if you go to sea without a map. - C. S. Lewis
Comentarios