JUST AS PLANNED

MAY 27

Psalm 105

Psalm 105:16-17, “When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.”

Psalm 105 is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His people. It calls believers to remember and proclaim His mighty deeds—how He chose Abraham, protected the patriarchs, delivered Israel from Egypt, and faithfully guided them through the wilderness into the Promised Land. One of the clearest examples of God’s providence highlighted in this psalm is the life of Joseph.

Though Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, God was at work behind the scenes. Removed from his home in Canaan and taken to Egypt, Joseph first served in Potiphar’s house and later endured unjust imprisonment. Yet even in these lowly places, God’s presence and favor remained with him. Through God’s enabling, Joseph interpreted dreams—an ability that eventually brought him before Pharaoh. When Pharaoh was troubled by dreams no one could explain, Joseph, by God’s wisdom, revealed their meaning: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

Pharaoh, recognizing the Spirit of God in Joseph, appointed him as second-in-command over all Egypt. Joseph faithfully managed the storage of grain during the plentiful years, preparing the nation for the famine to come. When the crisis arrived, Egypt had food—and so did Joseph’s family, who came seeking help, unaware that the brother they had betrayed was now their savior. In hindsight, Joseph declared, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good… to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). Through Joseph’s story, Psalm 105 illustrates how God sovereignly uses even human sin and suffering to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

This psalm—and Joseph’s journey—call us to remember God’s faithfulness and trust His providence. When tempted to forget, Psalm 105 urges us to reflect, give thanks, and walk confidently, knowing that the same God who worked all things for good then is still at work today (Romans 8:28).

“But God meant it for good.”—Genesis 50:20

Application Questions: How can remembering God’s past faithfulness—both in Scripture and in your own life—help you trust Him more fully in present trials or uncertain seasons?  Are there areas in your life where, like Joseph, you need to believe that God is working behind the scenes—even when circumstances seem unjust or confusing?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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