Genesis 50:20 NLT Context
These words were said by Joseph after returning from Canaan to bury his father, Jacob.
His brothers were terrified that, now that their father was dead, Joseph would finally use his authority to seek revenge on them for leaving him for dead when he was young.
He kindly promises to continue to care for his brothers and their families.
Genesis 50:20 NLT Meaning
There are very few people in the Bible who are spoken as highly of as Joseph. He endured some of the most difficult circumstances and betrayals and still honored the Lord in the midst of them.
He refused to see his journey as one setback after another but instead chose to have faith to believe that God was writing a much bigger story.
There was a very long time between when Joseph had a dream as a teenager and when he was appointed over Pharaoh’s kingdom as an adult.
During that time there were some setbacks that seemed like they could have been the end of his story. For most of us, our circumstance informs our confidence, which then determines the measure of our faith.
This is where Joseph took God at his word. He beautifully exemplified what it looks like to have your faith inform your confidence, regardless of the circumstance.
Genesis 50:20 NLT Application
Reading through Joseph’s story, we should take note of a couple of things. First, Joseph was determined to walk with integrity no matter what life threw at him.
And second, whether power was given or stripped away, he continued to use his gifts to glorify the Lord.
I encourage you, next time you feel unsure about the future, to set your sights on God’s faithfulness. Remember that he is writing a book about your life that is bigger than the current chapter.
Take him at his word. Allow your confidence to be informed by your faith, not your circumstance.
Walk in integrity and continue to use your gifts to glorify God. Remember, this chapter is critical to the greater story, and there are more chapters that are yet to be written.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”