Today I spent some time thinking about the life of Joseph and reading about his life in Genesis.  I believe the result of some recent circumstances has attracted me to this Biblical account.  By no means am I comparing my life to Joseph’s however there is something truly fascinating about his story that speaks to me in my circumstances.

As we know Joseph was his fathers favorite what is worse is he almost seemed to rub it in.  If you remember the account Joseph is given a dream where he will rule over his older brothers and his parents and he makes sure he lets them know about his dream.  Just in case they did not get it he tells them all again about his dream.  Well his brothers had enough and they sell him into slavery.

Think about it, in one single day Joseph’s whole life came crashing down.  In one fails swoop he has gone from being the favored son to slave.  Imagine the pain and disappointment what about his dream now there is no way it will happen.  Surely he would experience doubt and wonder.  But I believe this indeed was just the beginning of the road God would take Joseph down in order to mold him into the man he wanted him to be.  I have heard it said “Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he wraps it in struggles and difficulties.”  In fact James 1 tells us “the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.”

I have learned a lot from looking at Joseph’s response in those times of difficulty.  Joseph could have become angry, and bitter.  He could have even resented God and others for what had happened to him, he definitely could have been bitter towards his brothers.  However, Joseph chose to respond differently to his circumstances.  I can’t help but think our character is revealed with our response to adversity.  Joseph knew God wan in control at all times and in all phases of his life.  It was this confidence in God that allowed Joseph to keep going when most would have failed or given up.

Joseph was sold into slavery and he took the opportunity and become a servant in the palace.  Joseph was accused of adultery (which he did not do) and was thrown into prison so he helps others by interpreting there dreams.  Joseph then gets forgotten about is prison and Joseph still trusted in God and knew He was in control.  Sure enough God gave him an opportunity to show his wisdom and Joseph had the land prepare for 7 years of feast followed by 7 years of famine.  Joseph saved not only Pharaoh but his own family, and when he deals with his brother he shows integrity, and compassion, and even forgiveness.  Joseph was so committed to God that others noticed Potiphar, the warden, his fellow prisoners, even Pharoah, and ultimately his own brothers.

I think of Joseph’s life betrayed and deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation over and over again, and even punished for doing what was right.  He was imprisoned and forgotten by those he had helped.  However, through all of this Joseph never asked why me?  Joseph was determined to be God’s man, no matter what was to come.  The cool thing is that people took notice, they knew God was leading him.

Through all of this Joseph never let it go to his head.  Even though he was faced with great trials and difficulty, Joseph chose to live a life of gratitude and not resentment, conscious of God’s daily protection, love, and grace.

There have been times when I have been tempted to ask of God “why me”?   However when I feel that way I am reminded of Joseph and want to follow in his steps as I face the difficult circumstance in my life.  I pray that somehow others will see in me what was seen in Joseph and even though I may be faced with hard times I pray my life point to my confidence in Christ and that He is in control.