There are times in your life when things are going great, you wake up every morning with a song in your heart, you are hearing from God and He’s guiding you every step of the way. But what about those other times – the times when things aren’t going well, everything’s falling down around you and you would give anything just to hear a word from the Lord? You know that weeping endures for a night, but still find yourself asking, “how long will this night last and when is my joy-filled morning coming?”
I can only imagine that Joseph may have asked the same question. Being his father’s favorite and sharing God’s dream for his life, got Joseph into some very bad circumstances.
He was thrown into a pit. (Genesis 37:22-24)
Do you feel like you are in a pit, a deep dark hole, and do not know how to get out? Call on the Lord and trust in Him. Psalm 40:1-2 says that David cried out to God and He heard him and brought him out of his pit. Your Heavenly Father will do the same thing for you. Cry out to Him.
He was sold into slavery. (Genesis 37-26-28)
In all likelihood, you will never know what it’s like to be bought and sold to serve as someone’s unpaid servant. However, you may know what modern-day slavery is like because it can take many forms. Too many of us are slaves to things like debt, food, drugs, alcohol, sex, jobs, and men. Jesus says in John 10:10 that He came so that we may have an abundant life. It’s not His intention that we are enslaved to anything. In Christ there is freedom. Claim it.
He was unjustly put in prison. (Genesis 39)
We live in a fallen world and there are times that even as Christians (or because we’re Christians), we are treated unfairly. However, we can have hope. Jesus warned us we will have tribulation in this world but we can still have joy because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) We belong to Jesus and whether or not we’re treated fairly, this world is not our home – we have a specially prepared place waiting for us in heaven. Focus on the eternal.
These events occurred over several years in Joseph’s life. Still, we can view them as momentary troubles because God was with him, showed him mercy, and gave him favor. He was preparing Joseph for a great purpose and when it was time for him to be released from his struggles, Joseph was ready to walk into his destiny. (Genesis 45)
The Lord is also preparing you for His purpose. Do not lose heart; you’re being renewed every day. Your momentary troubles are achieving eternal glory. Fix your eyes on the eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
When you are facing difficulties, as we all do, remember that your circumstances do not determine your future. God may use them to mold you into the woman He wants you to be. Ask the Lord to help you see your challenges in a new way and determine how they are preparing you to fulfill His purpose for your life.
