God Knew Better When I Didn't

"Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt.Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt." -Genesis 37:25-28 (ESV)

MATERIALS:

• ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
• Bible Tabs Printable- Digital Download​
• Mod Podge Sealer, Glue and Finish- Matte
• Illustrated Faith HomeSpun Alpha Stamps
• Tsukineko Memento Fade Resistant Inkpad, Tuxedo Black
• Napkin- Dollar Tree
• Gold Washi Tape

There was a time in my life many, many moons ago where I thought I was hanging out with the BEST people on earth. We hung out every weekend, we got into a lot of trouble, there was always a lot of drama, and a whole lot of unnecessary headache. But still, at the time I thought it was the best life that I could be living. I thought these people would be with me for the rest of my life.

But then a tragedy happened. And everyone’s true colors came out. And now none of those people will have anything to do with me or each other. At the time, I thought it was the worst thing that could’ve ever happened. God took me away from those people and I was so angry at Him. I thought that if He hadn’t taken me away out of those ridiculous circumstances then I would still be living what I thought the best life.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that it wasn’t just drama that was addictive but it was also the brokenness. I could see the broken lives before me and I identified with these broken souls yet I never really thought that it would influence me the way it did. God knew. Years later when I look back on the lives of those people now- there’s even more drama and even more headache and even more brokenness.

The worst part- it’s a family. One family that breeds brokenness.

What do I mean by brokenness? I mean the type of people who will kill each other, who set each other‘s houses on fire out of jealousy and greed, who sleep with each other’s wives just because they can. 3 siblings and a mother who share the same man and have kids by him. And so much more....

I’m utterly thankful that God had His eye on me and loved me enough to pull me out of that hot mess express. AND He still does today!

It reminds me of Joseph when His brothers sold him into slavery. It seemed tragic at first but it ended up being THE turning point of his life.

Our Father knows best 🙌🏻