![]() ![]() Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Charles Foster So, how do we begin to withstand hardships as Joseph did and find the strength to embrace the painful parts of our own stories? The words of James also allude this same theme within the Gospel story, in saying that when trials arise, we are emboldened to take hold of a deeper awareness of God’s grace, named joy ( James 1:1-2). Yet, this truth is incomplete without the following verses which assure us that our good is nothing more than to be conformed to the image of God’s son ( Romans 8:28-31). These words of Joseph to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 profoundly echo the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8, where we are reminded that God works all things for our good. “As for you, you meant evil against me but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” It is this continual theme that invites us to look at our hardships and struggles with new strength. The remaining nine chapters of this story depict the redemption of reconciliation and restoration of Joseph's family. The text explains that after Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, He was appointed to Pharaoh's service. Joseph’s gift for interpretation was finally recalled by his former inmate and he was brought before Pharaoh ( Genesis 41:14-36). One day, things suddenly shifted for Joseph when Pharaoh became distressed by dreams he could not understand. While imprisoned, it is recorded that Joseph willingly helped interpret the dreams of fellow prisoners and remained there for two years ( Genesis 40:1-41). Although Joseph fled her advances, he was wrongly charged and placed in prison for a crime he did not commit ( Genesis 39:1-20). This ill-treatment was only compounded by false allegations in Genesis 39, when his Egyptian master’s wife attempts to seduce him. From dreaming to devastation, Joseph was rejected by his brothers and sold as a slave. To make matters worse, Joseph was given the gift of dreams, foretelling of his power over his family, which caused even more dissension. Joseph was described as his father’s beloved ( Genesis 37:2) and this favoritism is what fueled the friction within his family. Joseph’s story begins in Genesis chapter 37 and spans the following 12 chapters. Like many of us, Joseph’s life was full of plot twists and painful circumstances, yet within the chapters of this story, we are invited to take hold of a new and powerful perspective. One such story is found in Genesis and recounts the struggle of Joseph, son of Jacob. Yet, looking throughout Scripture, we see time and time again how God used unthinkable situations for his good, and we can remain faithful. When dreams are destroyed, we tend to resort to discouragement and begin to believe that God has given up on us or has forgotten us all together. Life as we know it is riddled with subheadings and scenes we never would have foreseen. Like any good story, life often provides us with chapters of triumph followed by sudden changes which tend to foreshadow a roller coaster of themes. ![]() As much as I would love to say my life has played out like a storybook fairy tale, I cannot. Ever experienced a devastating disappointment that left you questioning everything you thought you knew? If so, you are in good company.
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