I have recently read the biblical account of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. I have also recently read a chapter on Joseph’s life from John MacArthur’s book Twelve Unlikely Heroes. Today I read this post by Jon Bloom “Staying Faithful When Things Get Worse.” Joseph’s life definitely serves as an illustration of one who humbled himself under the mighty hand of God and in due season God lifted him up . It’s so easy to read the lives of Bible heroes and forget that many of them suffered immeasurably long periods of difficulty. For example, Joseph was in Egypt for many years, far away from home and many years languishing in prison before he was exalted by God.
Here’s an excerpt from Jon’s post that addresses this issue:
In the biblical account it’s tempting to only see Joseph’s heroic character and achievements. But God does not want us to miss the largely silent, desperate years Joseph endured.
Imagine the pain of his brothers’ betrayal, the separation from his father, the horror of slavery, the seduction and false accusation by Potiphar’s wife, and the desperation he felt as his youth passed away in prison.
Sometimes faithfulness to God and his word sets us on a course where circumstances get worse, not better. It is then that knowing God’s promises and his ways are crucial. Faith in God’s future grace for us is what sustains us in those desperate moments.
We all love the fairytale ending of Joseph’s story. And we should, because Joseph’s life is a foreshadowing of a heavenly reality. God sent his Son to die and be raised in order to set his children “free indeed” (John 8:36). There is coming a day when those who are faithful, even to death (Revelation 2:10) will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).
Our current circumstances, however dismal or successful, are not our story’s end. They are chapters in a much larger story that really does have a happily ever after.
This meditation is included in the forthcoming book Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith (Crossway, April 30, 2013).
Read more here and be encouraged to stay faithful in tough times.
Read Full Post »