Genesis 42:14 Joseph said to them, “It is just as I told you: You are spies!
Lord, I know that You can use all things for our good and Your glory, but I truly do not think that You cause bad things to happen to us. You love us so fiercely and completely, I just can’t reconcile that with Your sovereign love and compassion.
Genesis 42:15 And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
Yet commentary posits that You directed Joseph to put his brothers in jail because their hearts aren’t softened towards You sufficiently enough to allow You access. And while that makes sense, wouldn’t that mean You were the direct cause of this bad thing happening, which seems counter to all I know of You.
Genesis 42:16 Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”
Precious Savior, You are loving and good, and I resist the idea that You cause, You send bad things into our lives. I think You are all about natural consequences caused by our actions, and I think You can (and will and do) use all things for our good and Your glory, even the really difficult, painful things. Thank You. Draw me closer. Always. Amen.
Genesis 42:17 And he put them all in custody for three days.
Have a blessed day.