It’s easy to trust that everything will be well when everything is going well, but what about trusting when everything is going wrong? It feels a lot harder to trust right? We will go over moments in the Bible where God turned things upside down. When nobody thought there would be an answer, God gave THE answer. God loves doing this so much and we often forget how He has repeatedly done so. The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 is the first one that comes to mind. The favorite child turned slave. When it seems like it can’t get any worse, God says, “wait a minute” and moves in incredible ways.
We too can develop the mindset that Joseph had by mirroring these three behaviors:
1) Self-Control:
When Joseph was bought by Potiphar, one of the King Pharaoh’s ministers, he had been living as a slave. He didn’t know how long he would live, or what would come next. He lived at the mercy of his owners. Nonetheless, he still pushed forward with self-control and divine favor from God. He worked hard and became head of Potiphar’s estate. Joseph oversaw all of his master’s affairs with excellence. Potiphar trusted him, but not for too long. One day Potiphar’s wife desired to lay with Joseph. He rejected this proposition and Potiphar’s wife had Joseph sent to prison.
Just like Joseph, we are to resist temptation with self-control. I know it is easier said than done and I agree with you, don’t get me wrong. However, God blessed Joseph’s self-control and righteousness with divine favor. You can attain self-control by setting a goal and remembering why you need to stay motivated. Focus on God’s divine favor and trust God is always working on your behalf.
“You can attain self-control by setting a goal and remembering why you need to stay motivated.”
2) Wisdom:
After going to prison, God’s favor shined a light in Joseph’s life once again when the king’s royal cupbearer and baker were imprisoned. He correctly interpreted their dreams and two years after the royal cupbearer was released, he suggested the king to summon Joseph. He was to interpret the king’s two dreams and he successfully does so. The successful interpretation gives Joseph the opportunity to become hand of the king. He comes from prisoner to viceroy.
What we don’t see in this part of the story is Joseph’s wisdom. During all his years serving others either as a slave or a prisoner, he took the time to learn and reflect on his circumstances. He understood the years of plenty he lived before being sold and the years of famine that came after. He was aware of his situation and worked diligently to make it better. Be intentional and seek wisdom. Look for ways to learn new ideas and reflect on them. God will use your knowledge for His Kingdom.
“Be intentional and seek wisdom.”
3) Grace:
Imagine seeing the people that committed the act that changed the rest of your life and affected you to the point of no return. As difficult as it may seem, Joseph saw them, tested them, and forgave them. He decided to let go of the pain and let God take control of his purpose. Joseph understood that God sent Him there for that very moment. He knew that God was using him for a far greater plan, and he was willing to fulfill that plan.
What the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. God will use the most difficult moments of your life to give life to those around you. The pain you’ve gone through can be used for the glory of God. It’s your choice. You can choose grace and extend unmerited favor to those situations of pain. It will take time, but trust in your heart that God can turn upside down the pain you’ve gone through for His glory.
“You can choose grace and extend unmerited favor to those situations of pain.”
This is my first post after a year and I just want to thank God for the opportunity to write again. Thank you for being here and I hope you enjoyed this! Please reach out to me if there’s anything I can pray for you about. Much love and remember God is always working!