For post two of this series, “Hard Things: Embracing the Journey of Faith” Let us consider God’s presence and help in our seasons of adversity. This articles explores insights from Joseph’s and Job’s life. Bible quotes:
The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB
Copyright ©2016, 2020 by Bible Hub
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
For series overview post:
A.I creation of Joseph with his multi color tunic prior to be sold into slavery.
Considering Broken Dreams and Joseph
The Old Testament Book of Genesis devotes thirteen chapters (37 to 50) to the account of how that God works through the life of Joseph to save His chosen family and multiply them into a nation. Joseph’s story begins with dreams that God sends him. He relates these dreams to his brothers and father Jacob. This dream and his brothers’ jealousy leads to great suffering in his life. Consider these key questions:
Genesis 37:18-28:
What happens to young Joseph? Did he do any wrong? Why were his brothers so angry and full of rage against him?
But God was with Joseph! Genesis 39:3-4
Specifically, what did his master notice? Why did the master promote him?
verses 20-23
How is God active with Joseph in prison? How does the warden recognize God’s presence with Joseph?
Even in these adverse times, God was with Joseph moving behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. Pharaoh’s cup bearer forgot Joseph (verse 23)! Yet, when the time was right (Gen. 41:9) , and Pharaoh had a dream he couldn’t understand, the cup bearer remembers. God weaves together all these events and circumstances to place Joseph in the right place at the right time to encounter Pharaoh. Joseph recognizes God’s purpose in Genesis 45:4-8 Please note emphasis is mine.
4Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so.
“I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! 5And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. 6For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. 7God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8.Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
God has perfect timing to accomplish what He plans. The problem for us is that we often don’t understand or appreciate God’s unseen plans/timing. We, as finite humans, don’t fully perceive or understand what God is doing behind the scenes. This is why we see throughout God’s Word that the faithful must walk by faith and not by sight. We need a faith that guides and sustains us during the uncertain and anxious times in our lives!
When we face unfair treatment, hostility, and troubles from others, we can remember Joseph’s example. For example, He remained faithful when tempted by Potiphar’s wife. Later, he allows God to handle his brothers and his situation.
Some scholars believe that Joseph is a pre-messiah figure. There are certainly numerous parallels. First, Joseph is an innocent brother thrown into a pit, sold into slavery. Secondly, God also preserves or saves His people through Joseph’s suffering and elevation. Let’s remember that as God’s people we’re in His strong arms! God’s purposes will come about through His Infinite Strength and Wisdom!
God’s Desire for Us!
God desires that we have life in Him and this life is abundant. For us to grow, God will send challenges that mold and shape us. This isn’t a pleasant or easy process. Abundant, true life is only found in Christ Jesus!
With God even the impossible situations become feasible! Remember Abram and Sarai’s old age. Consider the difficulties Moses faces in leading God’s people out from the most powerful empire of the world! What about the Hebrew nation conquering the Promised Land and other Old Testament miracles? Recall Elijah’s sacrifice when God sends fire down and calls His people to repent from following false gods!
The Example of Job’s Acceptance
Do we recognize that all is from God, even the difficult things? Job understood this when he comments Job 2:9-10:
9Then Job’s wife said to him, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die!”
10“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
Later in 13:15 Job states:
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”
Consider the context of Job’s situation:
Job made this statement when he was in a terrible time of pain and suffering. He had lost all of his children, his wealth, and his health. His friends were of no help. His wife offered no support and was in fact telling him to give up (Job 2:9).
Job felt as though his life was over. The only thing left was to die. But, as Job says, even if God did “slay” him, Job would still trust in Him.
Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/though-slay-trust-Him.html
Either God is in control and sovereign over all things or things just happen by chance. That’s the two simple options to consider. Does God require that we understand why things happen? Can you quote any scripture that says that Christians will live trouble free lives and that we are safe from troubles?
Job accepts that his trials are part of God’s plan for his life. He trusts in God during his difficult season of suffering and loss.
Job’s Faith: Relying on God’s character
Of note here is the fact that Job realizes that, ultimately, the suffering he endures is allowed by God. It is God who has the right and the power to “slay” Job.
Even in the midst of his pain, Job knows that “the LORD brings death and makes alive; / he brings down to the grave and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6). The Lord alone holds the “keys of death” (Revelation 1:18).
The faith of Job is seen in the fact that even if God’s plan results in Job’s death, Job will continue to trust in God. Nothing can shake the faith of someone so grounded in the goodness and glory of God. Job may not understand what is happening to him and why, but he knows that God is good, loving, and trustworthy.
Have you ever questioned as to why that Jesus said that we must change and become like little children? Consider carefully the question that the disciples ask before He makes this comment: Bible passage Matthew 18:1-5
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Who does Jesus call forth? Why?
A.I. rendering of Jesus welcoming a child into His presence.
To follow Jesus is to be humble. Part of being humble is being wise enough to admit that you don’t have all the answers, but that you know Someone who is the Answer! Children typically trust. Children want to be with the ones that love and cares for them.
Jesus wants us to be the same way in relating to Him. Obviously, He isn’t physically present with us in human form. But, He has sent Holy Spirit to indwell in us. We may not be able to sit next to Him, but we can seek Him out in His Living, Word and make time for prayer and meditation!
All things come to us through our relationship with Jesus Christ. The key point here is that we seek to maintain and strengthen this relationship. Jesus is the Redeemer who brings us into fellowship with His Holy Spirit, and Heavenly Father. Make an effort to walk with God daily. Ephesians Chapters One and Two explain this relationship.
Truth for those who believe and trust in Christ:
Our pain isn’t permanent!
With God, there is a way of escape. The suffering of this life is temporary and will end for those who trust in the Lord. After this life, there is eternal life with God in heaven for the believer.
In fact, Jesus came to offer eternal life to all who would believe (John 3:16). By God’s grace, faith is all that is required to be made right with God (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Source: Previously cited
Jesus often comes in the unexpected, quiet moments of our lives. The world and all of it cares and worries can easily drown out the still, soft voice. That’s why prayer, mediation, and a walk in nature can really be important!
May God encourage and strengthen you as you walk on your journey of faith!
Post 3
Words of Grace & Hope 
2 thoughts on “Finding Faith in Adversity: Lessons from Joseph and Job”