ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD!
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
As humans on earth, we sometimes go through several and threatening challenges that beat our minds to the extent that we question the fairness of the world and the existence of God. We wish that God was visible for us to seek face-to-face clarification from Him. This article will examine the life a young man in the bible, called Joseph, who was diligent in all his ways in spite of the challenges he was facing. In the end, he emerged victorious to the amazement of many people.
Joseph was one the sons of Jacob (whose name was later changed to Israel). As a young boy, he was hated by his brothers because of the special love he always enjoyed from his father Jacob (Genesis 37:4). His brothers hated him the more when Joseph had dreams that signified that he was going to be greater than them. So his brothers planned to do away with him. First, they put him in a pit and later sold him as a slave to Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of Silver. In the house of his master, Potiphar, he was still diligent in his service and never forgot about his dream. In the same vain, no matter the gravity of our challenges in this life, we have to stay focused on our dream(s). A unique characteristic of a good Christian is that, everywhere he/she is, he/she shines and provides leadership that benefits everybody around him/her regardless of challenges. This is possible when we refuse to neglect our faith. Anytime faith is neglected, fear takes over and one descends into the abyss. The house of Potiphar prospered because of the presence of Joseph in his house (Genesis 38:3-6).
Just when Joseph thought everything was now ok, he was implicated by the wife of Potiphar in something he never did and was thrown into prison. In prison, he was still diligent in his service and focused on his dream. The difference between a resilient person and a non-resilient person is that, though all of them may be exposed to the same difficult challenges, the resilient person never forgets his/her dream(s) but continues to give of his/her best and drives his/her future in the right direction to attain the desired dreams. Moreover, the resilient person cannot fail in this life because he/she draws inspiration from God always and constantly serves! In prison, Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of two prisoners and the dream of Pharaoh. These three interpretations propelled him to become the prime minister of Egypt as a foreigner. The grace of God always brings about distinction in the life of diligent sons and daughters of God. As the prime minister, the economy of Egypt improved even at a time of severe famine.
In the end, Joseph provided food for the whole of Egypt and his entire household during the famine and resettled his family in Egypt. This is what Joseph said to his brothers after making himself known to them when they needed food to buy in Egypt- ‘Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life’ (Genesis 45:5). It appears from hind side that the challenges Joseph went through were for his own good and the good of his family including his brothers. Another lesson to note is that, anytime we are exalted in life, it should not be the time to identify our so-called enemies and revenge. Probably, the so-called enemies aided your advancement indirectly. We should be ready to forgive our so-called enemies and use our exaltation to benefit everybody. Our heavenly father still love sinners in spite of the evil things that they may sometimes do. We also have to love always and serve everybody when we are offered the opportunity. Greatness is hidden in service and all things work together for good to them that love the lord, to them who are called according to His purpose!
