Reunions Only Heaven Could Plan
Howdy there, friend! And goodness gracious sakes alive, come on up here on this ol’ front porch and rest your weary feet for a lil’ ol’ spell. I’m mighty glad you’ve done stopped by here. Pull up that ol’ rickety rocker that creaks louder than a lil’ ol’ bullfrog that plum fell off the porch rail over yonder. We’re fixin’ to be wanderin’ right on through a story that’s sho’-nuff’ sweeter than molasses on a warm biscuit and a whole lot deeper than the holler behind Granny’s cabin. Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” That verse fits Joseph’s story like a well‑worn boot.
“Please come near to me… I am Joseph your brother… do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves… for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:4‑5) Friend, that moment right there was more tender than a lil’ ol’ mama possum carryin’ her lil’ babies across a muddy creek. Joseph had every reason to pitch a fit bigger than an ol’ barnyard rooster that lost a tail feather. Instead, he saw God’s fingerprints all over his pain. He knew the Lord had woven purpose into every hard step, just like Romans 8:28 promises: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”
Now Joseph’s reunion with his brothers wasn’t some lil’ ol’ polite handshake. No sir. It was the kind of family moment that makes you cry like a lil’ ol’ raccoon that got caught stealing corn. Years of hurt melted faster than butter on a hot skillet. Joseph understood something mighty important. God had been workin’ behind the scenes, turnin’ betrayal into blessin’. That’s plum why he could say what he said in Genesis 50:20, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
And friend, Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing… I will make a way in the wilderness.” That there’s God’s specialty. He makes roads where there ain’t none. He builds bridges where folks have burned ‘em down. He brings reunions out of ruins and hope out of heartache.
If you’re separated from someone you love, do what Romans 12:18 nudges us toward when it says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Pray like a lil’ ol’ woodpecker tappin’ on a pine tree: over and over. Trust that God is workin’ even when you can’t see a thing. He’s sho’-nuff’ the Master of mendin’ what looks mighty unmendable.
Father, thank you that you make a way in the wilderness. Thank you for healing broken hearts and restoring broken families. Help me walk in forgiveness, hope, and courage, knowing you are always working for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, alright then, friend, I reckon it’s about time for you to ease on into the doin’s of your day, carryin’ this truth the way a determined ol’ beaver carries a stick twice its size. Hold tight to the reminder that God’s been workin’ behind the scenes with more skill than a mountain carpenter shapin’ an ol’ crooked log into somethin’ mighty fine. Walk forward with the steady confidence of an ol’ barn cat that knows exactly which fence rail won’t wobble. And keep your heart wide open, friend, because the Lord’s reunion stories have a way of showin’ up brighter, stronger, and sweeter than anything we could’ve pieced together all by ourselves.
With joy,
Gwen
