Text: Joel 2:25: And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
In Genesis, we read an early account of human trafficking in the life of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. In Egypt, Joseph was a slave to Pharaoh, and he was thrown into prison when Pharaoh’s wife lied after being rejected. But even in the darkest times of his life, God was still with Joseph. God granted Joseph, favor in the sight of Pharaoh, and eventually, he was put in a position to help his family. God also gave Joseph the opportunity to forgive his brothers and reconcile his family. In the story of Joseph, we see an example of how God brought good out of a situation that was meant for evil.
God does not approve of slavery and exploitation. In Joseph, we see that God used something that his brothers meant for evil and instead used it for good. This is not an endorsement of evil, but a testimony to God’s redeeming work. Human trafficking touches things all around us, including the food we buy, the entertainment we enjoy, and the clothing we wear. There is no such thing as a victimless crime. When we act selfishly in these matters, it affects the vulnerable (Romans 2:8 and Galatians 5:19-21).
God is with us in our pain. The Scripture reminds us multiple times that “the Lord was with him.” God never abandoned Joseph. Joseph was betrayed by his family, enslaved, falsely accused, and wrongfully imprisoned, but God’s presence was always with him. Though people disappointed Joseph, God never failed him. Even in his darkest, most painful circumstances, God was with Joseph. Wherever you are, God is there with you, too (Hebrews 10:23).
God brings good from evil. God is a God of restoration. What others meant for evil, God was able to use for good. Sometimes others will try to harm us or use us for their benefit. Sometimes they succeed. But God is never blind to our pain. God sees. knows. God cares. God can bring both healing and restoration.
Whatever you have lost in life, Jehovah Elyashib, the God of restoration who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly can restore to you all that you have lost in double folds only if you believe and trust in Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. We commit our dear lives into your care. Our humble prayer is that you will keep us, protect us, and restore unto us all that we have lost in the past years. We believe in you that You are the Only One who can do it. Thank you for an answered prayer in Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.
