Jacob their father said to them, “. . . All these things are against me.” — Genesis 42:36

 Jacob, poor Jacob, had run out of options. He was shocked to get distressing news from his sons who had just returned from Egypt, saying, "Everything is against me!" (NIV, Gen. 42:36). 

He had been separated from Joseph. The land of Canaan was in famine. Simeon was a hostage who was being held. And now the youngest son, Benjamin, was being asked for as a ransom to free his sibling. The elderly patriarch found that extremely unbearable. He felt completely outmatched by these circumstances and that everything was working against him. But in fact, God was carrying out His wise plans.

It became increasingly evident that all these upsetting events were actually intended for Jacob's ultimate good as Jacob's agony eventually started to wind down. They prompted him to relocate to Egypt, where the Lord raised his progeny to become a powerful country. Even though Jacob had stated that these circumstances were working against him, God saw only things working in his favor. 

Remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Rom. 8:28) when it seems like everything is going wrong. Then, rather than grumbling, you'll be able to declare with assurance, "God is working for me!"

You may put everything in God's hands if you are aware that He is involved in everything. Stumblingblocks become steppingstones leading to His radiant house above as God "works together" all of our suffering and fills us with His love.  

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