Faith in Troubled Times (pt. 7)

This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41: 37-41 ESV).

 

If anyone in the Bible had reason to feel hopeless, It was Joseph. Here was a man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, likely never to be rescued (cf. Genesis 37:25-28). Even when he excelled and received an appointment of high standing in Potiphar’s house, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him and he was imprisoned. He also gained rank while in prison, which was a good thing, although it certainly was not as good as being a free man (cf. Genesis 40:21–23). Eventually, hope flickered for Joseph when a fellow prisoner promised to put in a good word for him with the king (cf. Genesis 40:1–22). But that hope all but died when this fellow prisoner forgot all about him. Two more years passed until Joseph had the opportunity to enjoy the favor of the pharaoh and rule over Egypt as the king’s second in command (cf. Genesis 40:23–41:57).

 

Thirteen years passed from the time Joseph entered slavery at age seventeen until he became the pharaoh’s right-hand man in Egypt at thirty years of age (37:2; 41:46). Even though the Scriptures stress that during this period the Lord was with Joseph (39:2, 21), this is seen more easily in retrospect. Though he never lost hope in God completely, knowing he was sustained until the day of his exaltation, Joseph no doubt struggled with trusting God at times, since He took what seemed the most circuitous route possible to vindicate His servant. God, of course, had the greater good in view the whole time, eventually putting Joseph in a place where he would save many people. This truth applies to us today: God providentially directs all things—even pain—toward His greater good. Even when we cannot see how, the Lord is working all things to the ends of our good and His glory.

 

In the midst of trouble and suffering, it can be difficult to believe that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing. So often it is easier to despair, believing that God has abandoned us and that He will not keep His promise to work all things together for the good of His children (cf. Romans 8:28). But our Father is sovereign, and He is working for our ultimate good and for the advance of His kingdom even when things seem darkest to us.