The story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50 is probably one of the most colorful stories in the Bible. The twist and turns in his life can easily make it in any soap opera in our time. When I first read Joseph’s story, I can not help but think how horrible this was and how can the Lord allow something like this to happen in the lifetime of one person. What started to be a dream from the Lord quickly led to one ordeal after another. Threatened to be killed by his brothers which led them to sell him instead, to false accusations of rape by the Potiphar’s wife leading to his imprisonment in a foreign land, Joseph story has been quite a roller coaster ride from the beginning. Alone and forgotten in prison in Egypt, it seems that his life is finally turning around when he interpreted the dreams from a couple of prisoners. It looked like this will be his ticket out of the dungeon, but Joseph was forgotten by the chief cupbearer when he was restored to his position.

As I read Joseph’s story again, I saw something that I missed before. Since I was so focused on all the tragic scenarios in His life, I missed seeing the Lord’s faithfulness and blessings towards Joseph amid his journey towards pain and suffering. Joseph gained favor in the hands of Potiphar. He became in charge of all those held in prison and ultimately became the second in command in entire Egypt. Throughout this journey, the Bible repeatedly mentioned: “The Lord was with Joseph . . .” and because he has the Lord in his side, Joseph prospered, shown kindness and favor in the midst of trials and tribulations.

When we go through trials, pain, and sufferings in life, we sometimes missed seeing the movement of the Lord’s hands because we became so caught up with the bad things that are going on. The truth is, the Lord is the same when we are in our mountain experience as well as when we walk through the dark valleys. God’s favor and blessings are not limited based on our situation. On the contrary, His faithfulness is shown more vividly during the time of darkness as a little light starts to take over an entirely dark room, so as the light of the Lord will soon defeat the darkness in our lives. In the end, He will always accomplish His purpose in allowing us to go through the trials in life.

Let us not be dismayed when we go through the valley; instead, let us hold on to God’s faithfulness towards His promises. Let us be bold in asking the Lord for His blessings and favor as we face pain and sufferings, holding on to the knowledge that GOD is GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

In Christ,

Pastor Ryan