Going through difficult times can be hard on your faith and challenging to your character. But it is in seasons like that, we grow the most.
We learn this best in the life of Joseph…
Psalms 105:17closePsalm 105:17
17 he had sent a man ahead of them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave. (ESV)
closePsalm 105:17closePsalm 105:17
17 he had sent a man ahead of them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave. (ESV)
17 he had sent a man ahead of them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave. (ESV)
“Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them-Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.”
Joseph had alot growing to do, before he was ready for the assignment God had for him. Because of Joseph’s willingness to not get bitter, but let the circumstances make him better elevated him in His assignment. You talk about humbling, being beaten and dragged around like a dog with a iron collar.
Sometimes are decisions impact our circumstances, sometimes bad things just happen to good people, and sometimes the devil is playing hard ball. Either way, we have to learn to trust God with whatever situation we find ourselves.
At the end of Joseph’s life after his father Jacob died, you see Josephs maturity in this verse, as he was speaking to his older brothers. Genesis 50:19-20closeGenesis 50:19-20 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 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. (ESV) closeGenesis 50:19-20closeGenesis 50:19-20 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 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. (ESV) 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 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. (ESV) “But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
When Joseph looked back, he then understood God’s master plan. Joseph eventually learned to value difficult people and awful situations, seeing them as divine instruments in his development.
As I look at situations we all face, we sometimes want to blame God, get mad at ourselves, or just give up. Instead we need to keep fighting, understanding God will turn our situation around if we will not faint and give up. He will work it out for good, just keep your eyes on Jesus.
