We are all aware of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph was one of the sons of Jacob, who was sold to slavery by his brothers because of jealousy. Joseph eventually ended up in Egypt and became a slave to Potiphar. His brothers, however, lied to their father, Jacob, and told him that wild animals killed Joseph in the desert. While in Potiphar's house, Joseph was liked by Potiphar's wife, and Potiphar's wife pursued him to sleep with her, but Joseph resisted her because he didn't want to sin against God and Potiphar. Consequently, out of frustration, Potiphar's wife made up a lie that Joseph tried to rape her. Potiphar listened to the lie, and Joseph ended up in jail. While in jail, God was with Joseph and he became an interpreter of dreams through God's help. Eventually, Pharoah, the King of Egypt, heard that Joseph could interpret dreams, so he summoned Joseph to interpret his dream. Through God's help, Joseph was able to give the meaning of the interpretation of Pharoah's dream that for seven years, the harvest would be abundant, but after seven years of abundance, seven years of famine would follow. Pharoah then made Joseph the second highest official in Egypt to prepare for the seven-year famine. Eventually, Joseph's family, including his father, Jacob, his brothers, and their families, moved to the best of the land in Egypt. Joseph forgave his brothers because he realized that it was God's sovereign plan that he would save Egypt and his family from famine (Genesis 37-50).
Although Joseph's life was not pleasant at the beginning, God was with him all along, orchestrating everything. God was preparing Joseph's heart through trials, and when Joseph was ready, God promoted him to the second highest official in Egypt, only next to Pharaoh. Psalm 105:19-22 says, "Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph's character. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions. He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers." God uses situations to work on our character so that He can lead us to greater things. We may suffer and experience difficulties. However, God can use our circumstances to work in our hearts so that He can fulfill His purposes in our lives. Joseph had to be humbled in the beginning so that He could learn to trust in God completely. Joseph persevered through trials and kept on trusting God. As a result, God fulfilled His magnificent purpose in his life.
When God allows us to face difficult situations, let us remember that He is shaping our hearts to mature our character, preparing us to fulfill His incredible purposes in our lives. It is through impossible difficulties that we learn to depend on God, thus shaping our character before Him.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How did God lead Joseph to become the second-highest official in Egypt? What is one of the reasons God allows me to go through difficult problems? What is God teaching me through today's devotion?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me of the story of Joseph this morning. Please help me to trust you completely in my difficult problems and persevere through them. For in due time, you are going to fulfill your perfect plan in my life. All the trials that I am going through at this time are temporary, and you are with me and helping me as I go through them. Thank you for your wonderful plan in my life. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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