 "BUT THE LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. NKJV Genesis 39:21-22
Since Joseph was a young boy God had a special plan for his life. God confirmed these plans through dreams given to Joseph about his future. These dreams told him that people would bow down to him including his own family. This of course did not go well with his family and shortly there after the trials for Joseph began.
Joseph was rejected by his own brothers, thrown in a cistern, sold into slavery, falsely accused and falsely imprisoned. Now imagine for a moment yourself being put in Joseph's position or perhaps you could relate to some of the trials he went through. Some might think God was not with him or maybe he did not have enough faith to endure such tribulations but that is not what the bible says. It says in a number of passages that the Lord was with Joseph and in this particular passage it says God showed him mercy and favor.
God in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty had a plan for Joseph and part of that plan was to allow Joseph to go through hardship. It is a hard concept for us to accept or even agree with but the scriptures are clear that God was with him in the cistern, He was with him when he was enslaved and God was also with him when He was in prison.
God could have released Joseph at anytime from his troubles but he allowed him to stay for a time for God's own divine purpose and plan. There are a few instances mentioned in the bible where we see God allowing godly men to go through hardships. For example; when Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were thrown into the fire when the soldiers looked in they saw four walking around the fire not three and they were not burned. Also, when Daniel was thrown into the lion's den over night the bible says that God shut the mouths of the lions and when Daniel was released the next morning it also says in Daniel 6:23 that he suffered no injuries at all because Daniel believed in His God. God was with them all.
The Apostle Paul spoke of a thorn in his flesh and shares insight to why He believed God was allowing the thorn,
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7-8-NKJV
In spite of the trials and hardship these men went through they believed in God and trusted in His sovereign will and God showed Himself faithful and was with them through it all.
I hope reading this you are encouraged to know that though trials may come and tribulation knocks on your door that just as God was with these men; God will be with you also and see you through it as you put your trust in Him. God is faithful and He will do it.
"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8 - NKJV
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 - NKJV
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 - NKJV
Filoiann Wiedenhoff is a Pastor’s Wife, Work at Home Mom, Woman’s Biblical Counselor, Bible Teacher and Writer. You can subscribe to her monthly newsletter and visit her website.More columns by Filoiann Wiedenhoff
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