Tragedy: A Bridge to New Life

When Joseph’s brothers sold him to slave traders going to Egypt, he had every right to be obsessed with hatred. Self-pity, a form of self-hatred, could have engulfed him. His mother had died when he was a child. Now he was separated from his father, his home, and all that was familiar. So, hate for his brothers would have been understandable. 

 

People who are obsessed with hatred may hate God and blame him for the evils that suddenly appear in their daily lives. However, anger is different from hatred, and God permits anger to be expressed toward himself. On the other hand, hatred projects defiance and arrogance that denounces and rejects the love of God.

          Joseph refused to permit hurt and anger to evolve into hatred. He instinctively knew it would prevent him from healing. He opened his mind to opportunities God placed before him. His faith held on to the belief that God could bring about a chance for a new life to be born from tragedy. Ask God for faith to believe that passionately. 

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Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.

~Psalm 34:17-19 The Message