Joseph

I am doing a research paper for my ASL class. I found this and it knocked me over.

Dear Friend:
This "internet letter" is different than my usual letter with ministry schedules, etc--my letter this time, is just to encourage you in your life and walk with the Lord--that is my prayer for you as you read it.
Earlier this year I taught at the Deaf Men of Worth Conference in Pennsylvania. The time with the men in fellowship and sharing the word of God was wonderful. Recently I have been reading about the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Joseph's life is an inspiration and encouragement to me. While in Pennsylvania I shared with the men principles and truths from Joseph's life that I am learning and applying to my own life and ministry.
Joseph was truly an amazing man. He was treated so very unfairly being sold into slavery by his brothers. Then Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of sexual impropriety, and he was imprisoned for something he did not do. He had every reason to be angry, bitter, and to feel that life was not fair to him. But that isn't what the Bible says about Joseph. In fact, the Bible says that people who were around Joseph saw something very different about him. The Bible says that people noticed "God was with Joseph". Joseph's "career" was even advanced, to the point, that he became the second in command under the Pharaoh. It was not Joseph's goal to become the second in command under Pharaoh. All Joseph wanted to do was please God and serve those who were in authority above him.
It is interesting that the people of Egypt were known to be pagans who didn't believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, like Joseph did. And yet, God gave Joseph favor with the Pharaoh; and then, Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole country because the Pharaoh noticed that Joseph was discerning and wise, and that the Spirit of God was upon him!
Imagine if Joseph had become bitter, angry or felt sorry for himself because what happened to him was not right or fair. He truly had every "right" to feel that he had not been dealt a fair hand in life. He could have become filled with anger and bitterness because of the way he was treated by his family. He could have become a "victim" and said, "poor me, life is not fair" after being falsely accused and imprisoned. When Joseph's brothers showed up in Egypt to ask for food, they soon realized that they were standing before their brother (just as Joseph had dreamed years earlier). They trembled with fear. They knew that Joseph had every right to be angry with them for selling him into slavery. They surely thought that Joseph was going to get revenge for what they did to him.
You know how the story ends. Joseph forgave his brothers for the cruel way they treated him. He not only forgave them, but he had his whole family move to Egypt plus he gave some of the very best land for his family to live on for the rest of their lives. Joseph didn't do what he had every right to do (get revenge); he did what pleased God. That is why God blessed Joseph, because he trusted God in all circumstances of his life. Joseph told his brothers, "You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done" Genesis 50:20 (NCV).
What an amazing man Joseph was--a man of God, a man who trusted God. I wanted to share these thoughts with you because this is what is on my heart, and because I believe there is something in this story that could be an encouragement to you at this time. Maybe you are going through a difficult time and feel as though "life is not fair". Or maybe you have been hurt by someone who has taken advantage of you or lied about you to others. Regardless of what difficulty has come your way, regardless of who might have betrayed your or tried to bring harm to you, God IS in control. He WILL use whatever circumstances you are going through and turn it into good, just as he did for Joseph. One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28 which confirms this very powerful truth, "We know that God works all things for good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan" (NLV). I encourage you to read two more of my favorite scriptures; they are Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
You are chosen to be a part of God's plan. The same thing that God did for Joseph, He wants to do for you too. God blessed Joseph because he trusted God and surrendered to Him in every area of his life. We too can receive the abundant blessings and favor of God, just at Joseph did, when we trust God and fully surrender to Him.
God's Word continues to go forth blessing the lives of Deaf people all over the world because of the people who partner with this ministry. Would you pray and seek God about joining with us to reach the 250 million Deaf people worldwide with the Good News of God's love.


When we picked the name Joseph for our Joseph (ok I picked it) it was because it meant "God has added" and we really felt that was just right. Dominic was heading off to Iraq and we were looking for a name that meant peace but for boys names that was difficult. So Joseph it was. I was familiar with the Joseph's in the Bibile but never aw him in this life.
It fits our Joseph to a tee. Perfect.
He is never frustrated. EVER. He struggles but never gets angry. Wears his braces willingly, goes to his therapy happily. And while I know he never knew what it was like life before the stroke, life before CP, he takes it all in stride. I cannot help but think he's going on to do really wonderful things in this world. But that just might be a mother's love speaking.