The Old Testament account of Joseph’s life demonstrates a
New Testament scripture that is quoted quite frequently. Beginning in Genesis
37 and ending with chapter 50, Joseph’s story tells how God can work together ALL
things for the good of those who love Him—those whom He has called according to
His plan. (Romans 8:28)
Out of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery. He
is then re-sold to an Egyptian ruler, who has him jailed on false accusations. While
imprisoned, he helps out a fellow inmate, who then forgets all about Joseph
once he is released.
However, God used all of these trials and tribulations to
bring about good, not just for Joseph but for the entire region and for his own
brothers who had sold him off! God placed Joseph in a position of power for
this specific purpose.
Did Joseph enjoy the process of getting to that place in his
life? I highly doubt it. Slavery is full of pain and fear and hard work. Prison
is no better. Despite Joseph following hard after God and doing his best at
whatever he was asked to do, he still endured suffering. Even just the
separation from 11 brothers and his father would have weighed heavily on his
heart.
I really doubt he could see God’s hand at work at the time
his brother’s sold him as a slave. I find it hard to believe he would recognize
God intervening when he was falsely accused and thrown in prison. But he
remained faithful to God.
It is difficult, when we are facing a challenge or
traversing a rough road that seems to only lead further into adversity, to
realize God has a plan and is working it out. It is only when we come out on
the other side that we even begin to see a faint shadow of the path God has
mapped out for us.
When we find it difficult to see God at work in our lives,
how do we remain faithful?
Psalm 63:1-2 says we go to church and look for Him there. We
hope to hear stories there of how God has brought others through.
O
God, you are my God. At dawn I search for you. My soul thirsts for you. My body
longs for you in a dry, parched land where there is no water. So I look for you
in the holy place to see your power and your glory.
Job 9:4 reminds us not to blame God, despite how bleak
things may look.
You, my God,
are wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against You
and prospered?
Hosea 6:1 invites us to turn back to God, to acknowledge His
presence and power and plan.
Let’s
return to the Lord. Even though he has torn us to pieces, he will heal us. Even
though he has wounded us, he will bandage our wounds.
God is trustworthy. Joseph’s life illustrates this so
vividly—and so do our lives. We may be in the midst of a challenge that makes
us question God or even doubt His goodness, but, if we draw close to God, He
will use even these difficulties to bring about His good.
Be encouraged!
PamP.S. I needed this post as much as anyone. Please pray for my husband, Dick. He fell on black ice and hit his head hard on our driveway yesterday. CT scan showed no concussion, but he has two staples in the back of his head and a rip roaring headache and neck pain. Prayers greatly appreciated.
©2016 Pamela D. Williams
