Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character hope. Romans 5:3-4
Yesterday, I read the account of Joseph in prison, found in Genesis 41 and 42 and although I’ve read it many times previously, his story really spoke to me. Joseph had done absolutely nothing to wind up in prison. Yet, there he sat. He had been a faithful servant to Potiphar and had remained faithful to God. He actually got thrown into prison for doing the right thing.
I always have a hard time accepting that life sometimes turns out like that.
While he was in prison, the Bible says the “Lord was with him and showed him kindness.” God didn’t spring him, but He was with him.
That must have been hard to take at times. He went from being the favorite son, to being sold into slavery, to prison. I have to wonder if Joseph ever felt like God abandoned him. God did grant him favor in the eyes of the prison warden, which I’m sure was huge. I can’t imagine an Egyptian prison being much of a picnic. But, as great a gift as the favor was, I wonder if Joseph could see it at the time. Sure, he could see it later, but could he see it while he was living it?
How many times have we found ourselves in some dark prison like place? Things like sickness, divorce, job loss, depression, and addiction, are all examples of prisons with invisible bars. Sometimes we wonder if our lives will ever change or if God even cares.
For Joseph, he thought he saw his deliverance, when the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker joined him in prison. They had displeased Pharaoh in some way. They both had dreams and Joseph interpreted them, being very careful to give the glory to God, even then. He asked them to please remember him when they got out. They promised and promptly forgot.
Joseph waited for two more long years. The Bible doesn’t tell us whether or not he felt desperate or had lost hope. I doubt he felt very loved or content where he was.
But, then Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret and the cupbearer finally remembered Joseph and just like that, he was summoned. He shaved and got cleaned up and told Pharaoh that he could not interpret the dreams, but God could. He then told him what they meant. Again, after all he had been through, he gave all of the glory to God.
Pharaoh was so impressed that he put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, himself
Now, if you were just tuning into this story, you might think what a lucky duck, that some Hebrew prisoner was, who went from rags to riches overnight. Sometimes life seems like that.
But, we know the entire story. Joseph suffered for a long time, while God was at work.
I’m sure he must have felt abandoned, frustrated and forgotten at times and then he got his hopes up that he would be free and they were dashed. But, God was with him and He was at work, lining up all kinds of future events, like seven years of prosperity and famine for Egypt and the eventual salvation of the fledgling Hebrew nation.
God was with Joseph and He was at work. He is with us too, when we are in our prisons. He hears our prayers. He’s listening. We just have to draw close to Him and know that like Joseph’s story, He’s at work in your story and mine.
Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you do too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂