The words come from chapter 37 in Genesis, verses 21 and 25 respectively. Chapter 37 is the first of 14 that give insight into the life of Joseph.
Take a minute to read this passage.
Honestly, I'm not sure of the full extent to which Reuben and the caravan of Ishmaelites affected the life of Joseph, or of mine, but what I do know is that it speaks of a powerful promise of the Lord!
Genesis 37:21 and 25 is the example of the promise given in Proverbs 21:30. "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."
brief side-note: Directly following this verse is one that I held on to this weekend, which was a powerful weekend in the life of my home church here - "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."
How amazing that even when you would think Joseph is at the mercy of the hand of his brothers our God reminds us through Reuben and the caravan of Ishmaelites that "no plan" can succeed against His!
Let your imagination take over as you imagine the caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. What were their previous travel plans? Was it common for Ishmaeilites to come through Dothan? Had they been held up at home and ended up leaving a day later than expected? And what about Reuben? Was it characteristic of him to defend himself to the brothers? What if Reuben was the last person that Joseph expected to stand up for his life?
God sent Reuben and the clan of Ishmaelites because "no plan can succeed against the Lord". You may be feeling at the mercy of a boss, of a friend, of a doctor's diagnosis.. whatever the circumstances, take heart dear brother and sister! Trust God for His Word, believing that no plan will stand against His! It may be an unexpected Reuben or an on point caravan of Ishmaelites - either way, take hold of the promise!
I'm excited to search deeper into the account of the life of Joseph. The life of this 'ordinary Joe' speaks volumes about our great God!
love this. what an important truth to remember!
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