Fruitful in the land of affliction.

Genesis 41:50-52, Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. And Joseph named the first-born Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” And he named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Joseph thought that it was all over with his past life, the disappointments and betrayal of his family never to be redeemed. And he was obviously thankful that God had been able to use him in this new and amazing role. But God is not finished, as we read that the famine was severe in all the earth, and that the other nations came to buy grain from Joseph. We might think that we have God’s plan all figured out, but do we really know how He will move next?

We are in awe of the plans that You have and in allowing us to be a part of them, Lord.