But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Genesis 45:7 NIV
The story of Joseph is one of the longest in the Bible, occupying most of the last 14 chapters of Genesis. It is an interesting read and follows a story arc that would make a good movie in today’s world. A bratty kid is sold into slavery by his hateful brothers. But he rises up from the ruins of his life to become powerful. And, in the end, to save the family that had rejected him. It is a good story. But to leave it at that is, I believe, to miss a very significant element of the story. That God works, even through our suffering, to accomplish his purpose. And that likely is one of the reasons that such an extended narrative is included in the Bible.
God Is At Work
Joseph had come to recognize God’s hand in what had occurred. Although Joseph’s brothers were guilty of selling him into slavery. And Potiphar’s wife was guilty of falsely accusing him of a sexual attack. And the chief cupbearer to Pharaoh was guilty of forgetting about him in prison. Even still, God used all of those events, and many more we know nothing about, in order to put Joseph into a position where he could save his family. As well as ensure the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.
I believe that what was true for Joseph is also true for each of us today. All of us experience difficulties in our lives, some more than others. But we serve a God who can take those difficulties and produce something good out of them. We may never know how God uses the events of our lives. And we may never know the impact they have on other people. But we can rest assured that, as a faithful child of God, he will work, even though my suffering, for my ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). And to further his work among us.
