To put it mildly, Joseph's family life was a mess. His father, Jacob, loved him more than his 11 other brothers; he rubbed it in their faces; and they hated him for it. His brothers were jealous and violent. They sold Joseph into slavery and lied to their father, saying he was dead. How could such a family remain intact? How could God use them to bless the world? God had a gracious plan for them and a wonderful plan for Joseph. The Lord shaped and equipped Joseph to carry out his good and saving purposes. God has similar designs and uses for you and me as we live our lives in his kingdom. Nothing is ordinary or accidental as we follow Jesus!