This is part 2 of a 5-part series. View the entire series here.
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. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them. – Genesis 50:19-21 NLT
What do you do when you’ve done everything right but life still seems to go wrong?
This is where Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (later named Israel), found himself in life. Joseph held a special place in his father’s heart. But it was this very favor that worked against rapport with his brothers.
Joseph’s Journey
In a bold (and admittedly juvenile and naive) move, Joseph shared a vision with his family that one day they would bow to him. This stirred up strife with his brothers (to the surprise of no one). And from there, Joseph walked down a path of deep self-reflection and testing.
With each season of life came a new battle to face or defeat to accept—left for dead, sold into slavery, wrongfully accused of a crime, cast into prison, and forgotten by the only person who had a chance to save you.
Faith Over Fear
Take a deep dive into his life and you’ll quickly learn Joseph stayed faithful to the Lord. Every worry…every fear…every sleepless night was an opportunity to seek Yahweh. Each an open doorway to God’s presence. Years of patiently waiting. Eyes open to see what He was doing. Ears open to hear His voice.
Joseph chose to pursue faith rather than let his fear devour him. He determined in his heart and mind that God was going to do something meaningful. So he showed up. Faithfully. Every day. Because he believed there would be a greater purpose for his pain.
God’s Perfect Plan
In the end (spoiler alert!) Joseph saves Egypt from a famine—Genesis 41 if you’re curious.
After the famine spreads, Joseph is reunited with his brothers who come seeking aid. Discovering their only hope for survival is in the brother they had betrayed, they beg for mercy.
And they’re meant with a surprising response:
“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” (Genesis 50:19-20 NLT).
For Joseph, the silver lining of life was what helped him persevere. Gave him the strength to endure. The silver lining of hope that God was doing some good. Like really good. So don’t let your trials take you out. When you’re stuck in the pit, sit patiently. When you’re given a task, work diligently. When you’re given opportunities, take them in faith. Because the silver lining behind the unwarranted strife and suffering of life is knowing God is working all things together for good. Promise.
A Prayer for Trust
Yahweh, Your ways are higher than my own. Even when I don’t understand what’s going on or see what You’re doing, help me to trust You. I know You have a purpose for my life and a plan for Your creation. Give me eyes to see You moving, ears to hear Your voice, and faith to step into what you’re calling me into. Thank You for working all things together for good. Amen.
