When The Worst Happens

Before his brothers threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery, Joseph was aware of his brothers jealously towards him due to their father's favoritism of Joseph. However when his brothers sold him into slavery I believe Joseph was taken by surprise.

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In an instant Joseph had been betrayed and forsaken by his brothers, sent away from his parents who loved him, and from the life Joseph had come to know.

Things couldn't be any worse. Yet, when Potiphar's wife threw herself at Joseph and Joseph would have nothing to do with her advances, Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of raping her, and Joseph was immediately sent to prison. While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of a cupbearer and baker who were in prison with him. When Pharaoh summoned the cupbearer, Joseph asked him to please tell Pharaoh about him. Unfortunately, the cupbearer forgot about Joseph and Joseph would in prison two more years. Things had gone from bad to worse.

What’s amazing about Joseph’s story is not all the hardships he faced, but his response when faced with those hardships. Fast forward to the seven year famine, Joseph had been brought out of prison, to help Pharaoh prepare for. When God reunited Joseph with his brothers who came to Egypt to buy grain, they were afraid of Joseph taking revenge. Yet, despite the most horrible of circumstances they put Joseph through; he replied "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19-21)

While we will never probably experience a situation like Joseph’s, when we experience devastating circumstances of our own we can rest in the truth that God’s reasons for allowing any hardship in our life is only for good. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

So often, in the darkest moments of our life we see the love of God shine the brightest. A couple of my friends right now, are in this place right now. They are going though one of the most difficult times in their life, if not the most difficult, yet they are so deeply touched by the outpouring of love from friends and family—and even from strangers who’ve heard of their tragic situation. Despite their tragedies, the Lord is continually bringing about good from their horrible situations—allowing them to experience God’s goodness and love in ways they couldn’t had known otherwise.

As Robert Murray McCheyne once said, “Affliction brings out graces that cannot be seen in a time of health. It is the treading of the grapes that brings out the sweet juices of the vine.”

Afflictions are never easy or fun, but when we are in the place of affliction, at least we can count on God to work our horrible situation to good, wasting no part of our pain and suffering. Though we grieve, we can rest in the promise that somehow, someway, God will restore us and bring incredible good out of our situation in ways we could never imagine.

Question for you: When has God worked a trial of yours to good? I'd love to hear any praise reports you're willing to share.



 Copyright © 2010 Brooke Espinoza.