Beauty from Ashes: Joseph

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Genesis 50:20

Life is hard. Christians don’t have it any easier; in fact, I believe we may face more challenges and difficult times than non-believers. Jesus himself declared, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33, my emphasis). We serve a loving God who can turn our troubles into something beautiful for His Kingdom. This won’t alleviate any of the real pain you feel in the middle of a storm. This series isn’t intended to take away the emotions of devastating circumstances. It’s a series of hope. After Jesus told us we’ll have trouble, he softened the hard truth with a promise: “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Joseph is one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). He was sold into Egyptian slavery by his jealous brothers. There, he experienced highs and lows. He earned a job working in Potiphar’s household but, unfortunately, his good looks caught the attention of Potiphar’s wife. She repeatedly tried to seduce him, then accused him of rape when he rejected. He found himself in jail. There, he meets two employees of Pharaoh and interprets a couple of dreams. He asks them to remember him, but they don’t. One ends up being killed and the other just forgets . . . until Pharoah has a dream that cannot be interpreted. He was angry and at this moment Pharaoh’s cupbearer remembered Joseph. Joseph is summoned from prison and God interprets Pharaoh’s dream for him. Joseph then finds himself elevated in stature, second only to Pharaoh in Egypt! He is in charge of all the grain being stored for the coming famine. Seven years later, the famine begins. Eventually, Israel (Jacob) sends a few of his sons to Egpyt to buy grain, where they unknowingly encounter their long-lost brother Joseph. Joseph puts them through the wringer and then reveals his identity. A big reunion occurs and Joseph saves his family (Israel) from death and preserves the entire line of God’s chosen people.

We don’t know all of Joseph’s thoughts about his life situation. Scripture never mentions Joseph complaining despite all the setbacks and hardships he experienced. We do, however, know he was human. I can’t help but think he had days where God felt far away. Maybe he had days he questioned why God would allow him to be sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into jail. Perhaps he felt overlooked when the cupbearer found freedom and forgot about him.

It can be extremely difficult to stay positive, upbeat, and firm in our faith when we are faced with devastating circumstances. Even the strongest of Christians have moments of faltering or doubt. And that’s okay. No, really. Read that again. It’s okay to have moments of doubt or wondering. We need to know God can handle it; we can give our doubts, concerns, worries, and frustrations to Him. The key, though, is to give it to God. Keep leaning in and trusting in Him, even when life doesn’t make sense.

God’s presence is evident throughout Joseph’s story. We are told numerous times that God was with Joseph. He continued to grow his roots in the Lord even when times were hard. God is with us in challenging times, too. His presence may not always be felt, but it is a truth that he never leaves or abandons us. Leaning into God in tough seasons will look different for each of us, and will vary from our seasons of rest. Continue to talk to Him. Tell Him your pain, lack of understanding, frustrations, and anger. Seek Him. He’s there and waiting.

Joseph looks back on his life and sees God’s hand. After his father’s death, he realizes his brothers fear their lives. They worry Joseph will seek revenge for what they did to him. But Joseph loves them and shares with them one of my favorite Old Testament verses: You meant evil, but God meant it for good. We can apply this to our own difficult situations. The world/people/the enemy mean it for evil, to destroy your relationship with God. BUT GOD. He can use your situation for good.

Stand firm, friends.

Blessings,

From God Not Her

*My summary doesn’t do the story justice. His life story is found in Genesis 37-50 and I would highly recommend reading it. I pray God will open your eyes to new revelation!