Joseph’s brothers hated him. They sold him into slavery in Egypt when he was 17. He was falsely accused of assault and sent to prison.

But since God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, he eventually provided valuable insight to Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the land, and saved untold numbers of people from starvation.

One day Joseph was reunited with his brothers—the same brothers who sold him into slavery over 20 years earlier. What did do? Did he wring their necks? Here is what he said: “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).

What perspective! Joseph was so confident that God was working through his horrible experiences, and that God was even working good through evil, that he told them not to be angry at themselves for what they had done.

Friends, a big God does big things; but a little “god” doesn’t do anything.

If you think God isn’t able to bring good out of evil, or if you think that God isn’t concerned with or involved in daily events, or if you think that the problems in the world are bigger than the power of God, you don’t actually believe in the God of the Bible.

As we are reminded in Psalm 145:3: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.”

It’s a tough chapter of life right now. I realize that. For some of you, life has never been so difficult. Others are doing okay—but just okay. I realize that as well.

That’s why there is no better time to root your heart, soul and hope in who God is, and to remind yourself about the kinds of things God does.

A big God does big things; but a little “god” doesn’t do anything.

The good news is that our God is big. And in Christ, he has claimed us as his own, adopted us into his family, and selected us for his team.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Today’s “Up!” is connected to my most recent sermon: “Good out of evil.” You can watch it on YouTube here.

–Have you ordered your copy of my new book Turbulence yet? It includes 150 daily devotionals to steady you through the storms of life. [Learn more here.]

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.