file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941015.txt
-------------------------------------------------------


OUR DAILY BREAD                  Saturday, October 15, 1994
---------------
READ: Genesis 42: 1-7, 25-36


                   "WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG"

           Jacob their father said to them, "All these
                     things are against me."

                        - Genesis 42:36


Poor Jacob had reached the end of his rope. Hearing upset-
ting news from his sons who had just returned from Egypt, he
said in utter dismay, "Everything is against me!"  (Gen.
42:36).

Joseph had been taken from him. Famine was plaguing the
land  of  Canaan. Simeon was being held as a hostage. And
now Benjamin, the youngest son, was being demanded as a ran-
som to secure his brother's release. That was almost too
much for the aging patriarch to bear. Overwhelmed by these
circumstances, he felt that everything had turned against
him. In reality, however, God was working out His wise pur-
poses.

When the dust of Jacob's turmoil finally began to settle, it
became increasingly clear that all these distressing events
were actually intended for his ultimate good. They led to
his move to Egypt where the Lord made his offspring into a
great nation. Even though Jacob had declared that all these
things were against him, from God's standpoint everything
was going for him.

When everything seems to be going wrong, dwell on the truth
that "all things work together for good to those who love
God" (Rom. 8:28). Then, instead of complaining, you'll be
able to say confidently, "God is working for me!"


Author: Richard W. De Haan


        God "works together" all our woe
        And fills us with His love,
        Till stumblingblocks are steepingstones
        To His bright home above.

                                        - Anonymous



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------
If you know that God's hand is in everything
   you can leave everything in God's hand.


The Bible in One Year: Matthew 1-4

------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio
Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written per-
mission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or
distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources,
which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or
denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-
7221
------------------------------------------------------------