Every year, beginning in January, I read through the Bible. Genesis is one of my favorite books, maybe because I have read it the most and its stories are most familiar to me, but mainly because I am always excited to begin anew, back to the foundation of understanding the Bible through the stories of creation with Adam and Eve and their relationship with the creator, God’s covenant promises to Noah and Abraham, Jacob and Essau, and then there is Joseph.
What character his life exemplified as he deeply trusted and walked with God demonstrating unwavering faith throughout, not just one season of hardship, but many unimaginable seasons of hardship. Whatever position Joseph was placed in, he was trusted and respected because of his character. God molded Joseph’s character into a great, godly leader, one that reflected humility, patience, forgiveness, love, and wisdom. It is no wonder Moses spent two-thirds of the book telling us about Joseph’s heart that was shaped out of rejection, false accusations, and loneliness. Sound familiar? Yet, he grew to become totally dependent upon God and his presence despite his circumstances.
Joseph faced discouragement, but he did not live discouraged. Even during the 13 long years of things going from bad to worse, He trusted God’s plan at every turn. His integrity remained intact as he continued to serve the Lord throughout the difficulties of his life. Joseph set the example of how to be dependent on God’s PRESENCE no matter where we are. He did not allow the discomforts and heartaches of his life to keep him held hostage.
The enemy would love nothing more than for you and I to get stuck in the muck of life’s disappointments, focusing our attention on all that has been done to us, unfairly and unjustly. We all have stories of painful memories that cut so deep it could absolutely defeat us, but we get to choose what and who will hold us captive. Joseph did not let his brothers’ betrayal, the lies of others, or the extra years he spent waiting in prison to keep him from clinging to Truth. It is one thing to know about truth, it is another thing to experience truth through God’s providential plan being worked out in our own personal life. God’s truth never restricts us. It always sets us free. John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
When we find ourselves in situations like Joseph where we are slandered and gossiped about and mistreated by those closest to us, kicked to the curb so to speak, consider God’s intentions in your story. Is the Lord bringing you to a place to preserve you for His task? What rescue mission could the Lord be orchestrating for your benefit and his ultimate glory?
Joseph may have been rejected by his own family, but he was not abandoned by God. Scripture tells us four times in Genesis 39 that “God (the Lord) was with Joseph.” Whether Joseph was doing well in the house of his Egyptian master or not doing so well in the dungeon of a prison cell, Joseph understood that his life fit into a small part of God’s much larger plan. He chose dependence upon God’s presence.
I do wonder how often Joseph cried out to God with deep emotion each time he was unjustly accused or unfairly treated, sitting alone in prison, questioning how the Lord was going to use this, this time? He was human and given the freedom to feel human emotions, but Joseph didn’t let his emotions control him or cause him to waver from his dependence upon the purposes of God’s plan. God was still at the center of his thinking. The Lord enabled him to position the pain of his past behind him so he could appreciate the blessings in the very place where he suffered so much heartache.
God was sovereign over the unique circumstances in Joseph’s life and He is still very much sovereign over our circumstances today. We do not always understand the how or the why of what is happening, but we can choose to rest in the fact that the Lord is not only in control but using that control to fulfill His plans. Embracing that kind of attitude will not take our hardships away, but it does position our heart to experience joy and peace in the midst of them.
Joseph was faithful with what God put in front of him. Think about whether or not you are being faithful with what God has placed in front of you. Is God at the center of your thinking? When others hurt you or life seems unfair, we can confidently declare as Joseph did, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
Charles Swindoll says it best:
“Pain, when properly handled, can shape a life of greatness.”
Our hardships and seasons of pain are often the very thing God intended all along to allow us to achieve greatness in His name. He desires for you to trust His presence most when He’s seemingly hidden from view.
