The Joseph CallingSample

Fruitful Suffering

Joseph’s second son, Ephraim, was born to him after Joseph had been delivered from thirteen years of suffering. Ephraim’s name, which means “twice fruitful” was chosen, Joseph tells us, because God had made him fruitful in the land of suffering.

Joseph was fruitful in his time of adversity and in his time of prosperity. When God brings us into a time of suffering, it can be a fruitful time. It's rare for us to see the fruit during the suffering period. But know that the roots are going deep into the spiritual soil of our soul because of our pressing in to God during our time of suffering. This pressing in is producing a work in our character that cannot be seen until the process is finished. Such was the case for Joseph.

It was not until several years after such a time of suffering that I began to see the fruit of the trials that the Lord allowed me to experience. How grateful I am to understand some of the "why" that has led to a new life in Christ that I would never have had without this period.

Samson had great anointing but lacked character. We see many today who have great anointing yet lack character. But God is raising up Josephs who not only have great anointing for these days but also great character. Suffering produces character.

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, now is the time to press into God. Let your roots grow deeper. Whenever there is a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. These times of suffering are designed to create such a deep-rooted faith that our natures will be changed forever.