19 March 2020
This term the ladies in WOW have been studying Genesis and are currently looking at the story of Joseph. As we have read his story, I have found myself both challenged and encouraged by the ways he responded to the trials in his life.
With COVID-19 cases increasing daily and more and more measures being put in place to contain the spread of the virus, many of us are facing new and challenging trials.
So, what can we learn from Joseph’s story of how to respond to the new trials we are facing?
The response of Joseph
Joseph’s trials were tough! Carried away from his family and his country as a 17 year old youth and sold as a slave in Egypt (read about this in Genesis 37), then later thrown into prison for more than two years accused of a crime he didn’t commit (read this story in Genesis 39), then even when things are going ‘well’ he is given the biggest project management task you could think of (Genesis 41:41-57).
Just one of these situations would see me complaining, grumbling or falling into despair! But while I’m sure Joseph must have had ‘bad days’ we see a remarkably positive attitude from him. He makes the most of the situation he is in, he works diligently, using his gifts to the benefit of others and rises to positions of trust and leadership both in Potiphar’s house and in the prison and finally over the whole of Egypt. A great example of the truths of Ephesians 6:5-8
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
We might not be where we want to be or be doing what we want to be doing right now but how can we be honouring God in what is in front of us today?
How can we respond with a positive attitude to what we need to do instead of grumbling about the things we can’t currently do?
The response of others
So, as Joseph responded to the trials he faced, what effect did that have on those around him?
As Joseph worked hard as Potiphar’s slave, Potiphar sees that the Lord is with Joseph (39:3) and that the Lord blesses his work. This gives Potiphar confidence and trust in Joseph and he puts him in charge of his whole household.
As Joseph persevered in the prison cell, the prison warden too sees that the Lord is with Joseph and gives him success in all he does (39:23).
Pharaoh also recognizes that the spirit of God is in Joseph after he interprets his dreams and he responds by putting him in a position of authority and honour (41:38-39).
Responding to trials in a way that honours God makes us stand out from the crowd, it is a great witness and a great opportunity to share the gospel. And notice that Joseph is very quick to give God all the credit (40:8, 41:16, 41:25).
Who is witnessing our responses to our current situation?
Do they see that God is with us?
How can we use that opportunity to point them to the Lord and share the Gospel with them?
The response of hindsight
When Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers in Genesis 45 he says “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:8) and as Jacob nears death he reassures his brothers with the words “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (50:20)
As Joseph looks back on all he has endured, he can see that God was in control and was working out his plans and purposes even through the dark and difficult times. He understands the truth of what Paul said when he wrote
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
We might not be able to see yet how God is going to use the Coronavirus Pandemic for good, but we do know that is what he does!
I love the name Joseph gives to his second son. He calls him Ephraim saying, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering” (41:52)
May that be our prayer for one another during this difficult time – that He would make us fruitful in the midst of our suffering.
Janette McCool
