Joseph
Genesis 37, 39-45
The story of Joseph may seem like it could be more relatable. Being betrayed by your brothers, sold into slavery, and then rising to second in command only behind Pharoh are all things that probably won't happen in your life. But there is a key truth in this story that does relate to us.
Response. What is unique about Joseph is that he focused more on his response than the events that happened to him. Nothing that happened to Joseph was fair, yet we don’t see him complaining. We see the opposite. He is ready to act with integrity and help reveal who God is to anyone who wants to listen. When Joseph is asked to interpret a dream, he always reminds them that it is God who reveals dreams, not him. How easy would it have been for Joseph to take the credit to help him escape his situation? Instead, he trusts God by living with integrity.
James 1 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
This is precisely Joseph’s response to his trials. He is ready to use each challenge as an opportunity to grow his faith. In the end, Joseph is able to have this perspective in Genesis 45:5, “But don't be upset and don't be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.”
We will all encounter situations in life that we don't understand. We have the same opportunity that Joseph had to control the controllable. Our response emotionally, spiritually, and physically is all something that we can control. With the help of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we can see that God can use anything for the good of those who love him. Looking for where God may be using difficult situations is one way we can continue to have faith amid trials.
This week take some time to assess how you respond in small situations. There is an opportunity for you to prepare your heart to respond in faith when you face significant challenges.
