"Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?" (Proverbs 20:24 TLB); "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow..." (James 4:14,15).

We can propose what we think is a logical plan and God can dispose of it very quickly. The story of Joseph illustrates this well. At the request of his father Jacob, Joseph proposed to spend a few days finding his brothers to see if all was well with them; instead, when he finally found them, they disposed of him by selling him for twenty shekels.

We can only imagine what Joseph endured physically and mentally. God directed Joseph's steps into slavery in a strange land, then to a prison--and then, because of Joseph's integrity through all this, "[Pharaoh] made [Joseph] master of his household, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom" (Psalm 105:21,22). All Joseph did that fateful day was set out to find out how his brothers were. In a matter of minutes his whole life was changed.

"It was not you who sent me here, but God" (Genesis 45:8); "`You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...So then don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.' And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them" (Genesis 50:20,21). Joseph's brothers had acted out of jealousy and animosity, and now their hopes and lives depended on this little brother who they had treated so cruelly. Joseph brought good from evil, light from darkness, and sweet from bitter (Isaiah 5:20); what a grand story of forgiveness and victory over what seemed sure hostility and defeat.

Just as Joseph's life was altered within moments, so ours could be this very day. What a comfort it is to know that God is directing our steps and that it isn't necessary to our salvation or happiness, even, to understand the circumstances in our lives. What is necessary is our faith in the kindly providence of a God who understands and wills to bring good from evil.