In the spring of 2001 my wife woke in the middle of the night with an intense case of what was later diagnosed to be vertigo. At the time, we didn’t know what was happening. Nearly collapsing to the floor Barbara mentioned to me to tell the children she loved them. She thought she was dying. I quickly called “911” and she was rushed to the hospital. After two months of additional testing, a neurologist, who opened his office to talk with us on Mother’s Day, informed us that she had a brain tumor. We were told that it was likely benign, which was later concluded to be true, and that it was embedded deep within her brain, causing significant balance and hearing issues. If left alone this would only cause further problems as it was also pressing on her brain stem. Seven months later, she went into surgery, and after 15 hours was taken to recovery. Two determined and expert specialists in skull based neurosurgery performed the incredible operation to remove the tumor. Though she lives with enduring consequences, her outcome was as good as could be expected, and for this we are greatly thankful.
This was not our plan. We did not orchestrate that “911” night, we did not plan for her to have a brain tumor, we did not facilitate the surgery, we did not bring about her healing. This was the design of God, and these circumstances were beyond our control. However, knowing our Lord is sovereign, we were able to experience the abundance of peace, and being confident He would accomplish His good purpose.
Too often the believer can have a minimized view of God. Though doctrinally correct words may be said, the actuality of what is believed can be very different. We can say we believe God to be good, to be sovereign, to be merciful, and to be actively involved in our lives. However, when circumstances are less than favorable, our actions can demonstrate doubt about all we know, which can result in decisions that are less than honoring to the Lord.
Joseph had a fundamental understanding of God’s sovereignty.1A sad realization in the church today is the lackadaisical attitude of passing truth to the next generation. Though there can be a proliferation of programs, classes, and studies which children and teens can participate in, the understanding of relationship to the Holy and Sovereign God is missing. Attendance and participation at church are elevated as the practice of Deuteronomy 6 in the family is neglected; having acceptable behavior is emphasized, and the motivation for Christ-likeness is minimized. A fear of man is instilled if “right” is not done, rather than a “fear of God” that will compel righteousness (… and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil [Proverbs 16.6]). It wasn’t just something he had heard and been taught through the course of his life. In faith, he accepted the truth of God’s revelation in the presence of unbelievably difficult circumstances. He didn’t just know all the right answers, but saw in his parents and through their heritage an unequivocal belief that God was perfectly orchestrating the events of history for His glory, and all He did was good. He didn’t have to know all the answers or foresee the outcome of the situation; he believed God knew.
When the events of life provide either a small interruption to what we expected or a radical disruption to our plans, we must hold to truth. Knowing God as revealed in the Scriptures, we recognize that we cannot change or improve on His design.
The disdain of Joseph by his brothers had been obvious. Yet Reuben came to his rescue: “But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand to restore him to his father.” (Genesis 37:21–22)
Here Reuben showed a bit of compassion, for Jacob, Joseph, or for both. However, it was not strong enough to stand honestly before his brothers; he didn’t have the fortitude to confront them in their evil deeds and argue for what was right. He thought his plan would succeed, but his “secret plan” would soon be thwarted by that of his more cunning brothers.
Judah suddenly had a “better plan.” Not only could they be rid of their brother, but they could have personal gain in his demise. 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 37:26–28)
Reuben’s plan was suddenly no longer an option. Joseph had no control over what was happening. He was unheard, overpowered, and sold. Whether he liked it or not, he was on his way to Egypt. He was not responsible to make things different at this point. He could not send word back to his father; he could not bargain with his captors; he could not negotiate with his new owners; he could not escape. He was on a new course in life which he did not choose and would not have chosen had he been given the option. The reality stood.
God has a plan and His design always surpasses mine. If there had been conversation with Joseph regarding what he wanted to do, he likely would not have chosen to be on an Egyptian caravan. He would have chosen to remain with his family, even though he was hated by his brothers. He would have chosen to return to his father, and anticipate his expected inheritance. He would have chosen a life designed for his wealth and pleasure. However, Joseph was not consulted. These circumstances were not about what Joseph wanted, what he thought best, or what he had planned. Rather, it was about God’s design.
Often, God’s superseding plan can be hard to accept. We may not like what is happening to us. We may grieve a terrible loss. Our hearts may ache because of an awful change of circumstances that appear contrary to God’s Word and our expectation of His working. These feelings are part of how God made us. The choice is not to neglect or disregard our feelings, but rather to respond to our feelings in a manner that is in harmony with the character and revelation of God.
This article is a section from Terry Burlingame’s book When God’s Will and My Will Disconnect. By exploring 15 choices that have shaped the way he handles life’s surprises and hardships, Terry guides the reader through the story of Joseph. You can purchase Terry’s book, When God’s Will and My Will Disconnect here.
