The book of Genesis relates the story of Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers. While in Egypt, he gained the respect and trust of the Pharoah, and was placed in a position of authority. Joseph had foreseen a time of famine, and ordered Egyptians to store up crops during the years of bounty so that there would be ample food during the lean years to come.

Later, when his father and brothers were suffering from the famine, his father instructed Joseph’s brothers to travel to Egypt and purchase food for the family. They did not recognize their brother, who ultimately told them, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you once sold into Egypt. But now do not be distressed, and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you.” God had allowed Joseph’s freedom to be taken, but he had a far greater good in mind. Joseph likely didn’t see the good that would come of his captivity at first, but he was able to see it in retrospect.

Our perspective on the events of our lives tends to be rather short-sighted. We don’t see the “long view”, and it is there where God is working behind the scenes to create light from darkness, joy from sadness, success from failure. In my own life at least, I have seen that God deplores a vacuum. He never takes anything away without giving something in return. He is not wasteful; indeed, nothing is wasted in God’s economy. He continues to be a Creator, using the “bad stuff” to fashion something far better.