Persevering Through Difficulties

When difficulties or challenges arise in our lives, we must choose how we are going to respond. We can view the difficulty as the end of the story or we can wait and see what God is going to do. Throughout Scripture we see people face difficulties, some of their own making and some they had no control over. However, God always seems to move on their behalf to bring about great things.

One such story is the story of Joseph. Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery. He is taken from his home into Egypt. While in Egypt he ends up in prison. If ever someone had a reason to declare defeat and just give up, it was Joseph. However, Joseph continued to give life his all and to trust the Lord. The time came that God raised Joseph up out of his dungeon and put him in a place of power.

It was in this place of power, essentially the Prime Minister of Egypt, that Joseph once again faces his brothers. In spite of all they did to him and the fact that his life was incredibly difficult because of their actions, he displays grace. When his brothers discovered that it was him, they were afraid. Was he going to use this opportunity to settle the score? Joseph does not. Instead, Joseph says to them, “do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5).

Joseph recognized that God has been working the whole time. Though he had to face some very dark hours, God had sent him ahead to prepare for a coming famine. Now that time and come the purposes of God were revealed. Many of us face difficult days. It is often hard to understand what God is up to. However, we must keep the faith, live our lives as God has called us to, and press forward in optimism. When the time comes, God’s purposes will be revealed.