God Had a Plan (1) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 45:4–5

God Had a Plan (1)
One of the wonderful things about the Word of God is that the truths revealed in its contents do not stand as isolated snippets or disassociated stories and events. Rather, they are woven and linked together throughout the Bible, supporting the overriding theme: the redemption of fallen man and the coming kingdom of God accomplished and fulfilled in Christ.

The verse at the head of this meditation is an example of this because its truth is confirmed throughout the range of the Scriptures. Man makes plans, but in executing them it will be God’s plan that will persevere: “You sold me … God sent me.” This is even more striking when we consider that man’s plans are often opposed to God, but in His sovereignty He can turn it to fulfill His will, and this for man’s ultimate blessing! It is often said, “Man proposes but God disposes.” This saying captures the essence of Proverbs 19:21: “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.”

The history of Joseph perfectly illustrates the above proverb. He was cruelly mistreated by his brethren: they would have killed him except for the intervention of Reuben, and they sold him as a slave (Gen. 37:21; 28). God was with Joseph, and he became the prime minster of Egypt at a very critical time.

The story of Joseph was written for our encouragement (Rom. 15:4). Can we trust God even when things look dark or difficult? Yes we can (Rom. 8:28). Not “all things” are good, but “all things” work together for good.

Brian Reynolds