That’s what you could say about Joseph. Through all the ups and downs of his life, God’s hand was clearly at work. Situations that seemed far from ideal turned out to have a greater purpose. And at just the right moment, Joseph stepped up and did what he needed to, acting with wisdom, godliness and integrity.

Although wrongfully imprisoned for over two years, in this week’s Bible reading from Genesis 41 we see Joseph’s situation start to turn around. His divine gift of being able to correctly interpret dreams led to an audience with none other than the Pharaoh of Egypt. Joseph’s interpretation of the king’s dream was in fact a prophetic word from God. Not only did the prophecy give advance warning of a looming regional crisis, but it got Joseph out of prison and into the second-highest position of authority in Egypt. Later, we find that he was then able to use his considerable skills to save many lives. The Biblical record and subsequent Christian history contains countless other examples of believers who were ‘the right people, in the right place, at the right time’. Looking back, we see God’s hand at work throughout the ages.

We don’t have to have dramatic life stories in order to be used in His purposes. The Lord gives us gifts so that we might serve Him, and creates opportunities for us to use them. Not just for rostered duties at church services, but each and every day. When we’re at home, in the workplace, walking down the street, waiting to catch a plane or for a doctor’s appointment – wherever we are, we need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Maybe there is something God wants us to do or say, someone He wants us to meet. A fellow Christian we need to encourage in their faith, or an unbeliever who needs to hear the good news of Christ. May God equip and use us, that we too may be ‘the right people, in the right place, at the right time.’