You Did This!

You did this! The words stung. You didn't ... You don't ... This is all your fault! A friend had placed the blame for a terrible situation squarely on my shoulders, and it was time for me to reassess. Not reassess our relationship. Not reassess my initial response to the accusations (though I certainly did). But reassess my actions up to this point. Did I cause this? Could I have done more? Did I fail this person? Did I fail my job as a minister of reconciliation?

You did this! The words just burst forth from my heart. As I looked at the faces gathered around our table, faces of people I love beyond words, I couldn't help but thank God. When I was broken, when I could not see how it would all come to pass, when I was sure all was lost, You did not fail. You did this!

Three words that can either tear down or build up. Three words that can cause us to remain stuck where we are or propel us forward.  

The calendar on the wall before me has for the month, a picture of Joseph being sold off into slavery by his brothers. Imagine that level of betrayal. Imagine the fear and uncertainty of being taken away by strangers, the unlikeliness you will ever see home again. You did this! Joseph finds favor but is later falsely accused. He is thrown into prison for doing the right thing, the holy thing. You did this! In prison, he is respected by others, made to prosper, and is given the opportunity to be remembered to Pharaoh and released. But the prisoner to whom Joseph showed kindness, forgot him, allowing Joseph to languish in prison another two years. You did this! Eventually, Joseph is remembered and given a place of honor second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt. But this is not the end of the story, nor is it the reward. Joseph's brothers appear before him, needing help. Those who had treated him so cruelly now appeared as beggars before their brother, a man of great authority. 

We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us. (Gen. 42:21)   

We did this! His brothers knew their guilt. But how did Joseph respond? 

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Gen. 50:20)

You, my God, did this! You allowed these things to happen, You consented to the evil my brothers did against me, You permitted these ups and downs --all so that many people might be saved! Glory to God! Look what has been brought to fruition! You have rewarded my obedience with the redemption of many!  

How will you use those words? Will you use them to keep fueling bitterness? Will you use them as an excuse to avoid the higher place God has planned for you? Will you use them to be a better friend? Will you use them to call yourself to a place of forgiveness? Will you use them in worship of the One who uses all things for the good of those who love Him and for His glory? Will you use them to point others to the God who has an eternal plan, who can save by many or by few? Will you use them to commit your life to Your Savior for the triumphant consummation of His will?