Prospering in Suffering: Lessons From Joseph's LifeSample

An Overview of Joseph's Life

Joseph started life as his father’s favored son, which caused his brothers to sell him to slave traders out of jealousy. He became the house manager of his master’s house but was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned. In prison, he met someone he hoped would be his way out, but they forgot about him once they were released.

However, when the Bible describes him amid his suffering, it says, “. . . and he [even though a slave] became a successful and prosperous man. . .” (Genesis 39:2 AMP). How can an enslaved person be “successful and prosperous”?!!

The words “successful and prosperous” suggest material wealth. Yet, Joseph's time in slavery and imprisonment in Egypt resulted in spiritual growth and development, setting him up for God's destined success. Despite being a faithful follower of God, Joseph endured much suffering. The course of his life is not one that most would envy.

Joseph's spiritual prosperity came during his hardest times. He endured many moments that tested his faith, but He earned God’s trust in the process - the greatest success there is. God used his situation to teach Joseph leadership and project management skills he would never have learned in his father’s house as the second youngest son. God taught him to interpret dreams humbly and wisely to solve problems. God taught him how to forgive those who betrayed him without reason. In God’s divine purpose and plan, Joseph learned these lessons through suffering. And while there was a lot of pain in the suffering, Joseph’s many setbacks proved to be the setup for the royal setting God had destined for him.

If you're reading this, you're likely suffering or seeking to help someone who is. It is undoubtedly a time of pain, confusion, despair, and questioning God’s goodness. I pray God will work in your heart and life as you learn from Joseph's life in this devotional. I pray you will experience God’s presence each time you read through this devotional so you know He has not left you or forsaken you. I pray that when you look back on this time of suffering, you will say, just as Joseph did, “[what was] meant [for] evil against me, God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).