I want to be a Joseph .

I am sure you have heard the name Joseph and may know someone with that name . I want to tell you a story about a Joseph I know . Our pastor is doing a series on finding your fit in life . You know , like wearing the right shoes for your personality , kind of stuff . Don't tune out yet , hear the story . Well , Joseph was sold into slavery by his very own flesh and blood brothers at a young age . To paraphrase , Joseph was not a perfect brother , at times arrogant seemingly and shown favor by his father . So , his brothers grew jealous and got rid of him , or so they thought . As time grew , Joseph was very close to the Lord and leaned on Him for support since he had no family anymore . He was smart and soon the King made him a supervisor over the crops and food . With a famine happening , it became impossible for people to make enough crops for food . Of course , Joseph's brothers had to come before him to ask for help and food . Joseph immediatley reconized his family and chose to be kind , to forgive , to help , to let go of any resentment towards them . He even went as far to say that all the bad that had happened to him was used for the good and even though his own brothers mean't to harm him it actually made him a better person in the end . Don't get it do we ? How can we lay down our hate , anger , resentment , and clear memory of hurt and pain ? We can't , by ourselves . My Jesus , that I live , try to live for , everyday , offers me what I don't have , forgiveness , even when I really don't deserve it . BUT , is forgiving only important when we feel the wrong has been made right ? I won't answer for you . Maybe you don't believe that story , and that is okay . But , I promise there are many people who have been sold for a price , abandoned for dead , forgotten , hated , and somehow , someway , forgiveness has paved new road to walk down . May my life be used to help someone find a Joseph in their world , there is always someone just around the next corner looking for a chance at forgiveness .