By: Juliet Constantine
“Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.’” (Genesis 50:19-20)
He wasn’t exempted. In spite of his faithfulness, he suffered – and he wondered why. He was obedient and served his parents gladly. Yet, with all the sacrifices he had made, he was disliked by his siblings. He wanted them to love him, to be identified with them. Instead, he felt like an outsider as his brothers’ hatred and anger kindled against him. The pent up anger and hatred culminated in an event which will forever be retold as long as life lasts. He cried as the carriage took him farther and farther away from his homeland, away from his brothers and yes, away from his father who loved him. “How could God allow this to happen?” he must have thought, “I did nothing wrong.”
Throughout history, many seem to have asked themselves this same question. Joseph was no exception and his troubles had only just begun. He was lied on, falsely imprisoned for something he didn’t do, and left for dead. And there are others like him. While Job didn’t charge God foolishly, he maintained that he did not sin. Daniel was punished because he prayed to the God of Heaven. They were all setback; but what their enemies didn’t realize was that the inconvenience they suffered would serve as a setup for a comeback.
Can you imagine how Mrs. Potiphar felt when she realized that Joseph was now the governor of Egypt – a position her husband could never hope to achieve? Daniel’s accusers did not live long enough, as they were breakfast for the hungry lions. As for Job, there’s no record that his enemy again accused him before God. The lips of enemies were forever silenced as God prepared the way for comeback of His people.
It is interesting to note that their comebacks were much more elevated than where they were before the misfortune experienced. Joseph rose from being shepherd boy to the top of the ladder-- being Governor. Daniel rose from being an administrator to being the king’s right hand. Additionally, Job’s riches increased in abundance. Look who’s laughing now.
You may be experiencing some setbacks in your life. They enemy might have made you the object of his taunts. They might have lied about your actions or intentions. Their evil actions might have cost you dearly – even to the point of separation from your loved ones. Whatever you may be experiencing or going through, remain faithful. It’s your cross to bear. You may weep today but you will laugh again. Do not compromise God’s standards because of the pressures you may be experiencing. Remain faithful against all odds. Remember, your setbacks now will serve as your setup for a comeback.
Dear Heavenly Father, You see that it’s not fair. Life’s not fair. But now I understand. Please help me to be faithful against all odds, and trust You to work it all out in Your time. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
