The Life Of Joseph

August 29th, 2023
by Lance Ruis

From the outside looking in, Joseph’s life doesn’t look like it was blessed and directed by God.

After all, the story we find in Genesis describes the joy and excitement of the favored son of Jacob. Joseph had dreams that were given to him by God, but his decision to reveal those dreams to his brothers and parents would ultimately lead Joseph into a world of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment.

Joseph’s words to the ones who betrayed him after many years of struggle put everything into God’s perspective, however. A changed Joseph stands before them, empowered by Pharaoh to oversee the distribution of food to the entire region during a famine. He says:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

That’s the big picture. And it’s true for us today.
When life gets challenging it can be tempting to blame God or accuse Him of abandoning us. Why would this happen if God really cared? Why would He allow betrayal and evil?

One thing is for sure. God is good, and in Him there is not even a hint of wrong.

So knowing God is good should give us comfort. The things that are painful and hurtful might have been intended by our enemy to destroy us. But God intends to use every circumstance, even the ones of our own doing, to accomplish His will and to save many lives. To bring the light and hope of Jesus to the entire world - for whosoever will follow His Son.

It’s not easy.

It’s a crazy, incredible journey.

But it all brings about the mysterious glory of God.

And now, a quick word of thanks.

Thank you to the remarkable group of volunteers who dedicated their time, effort, and creativity to bless others.

We know that God will use your words to touch and transform the lives of countless individuals who will engage with them. Your insights into Joseph’s journey of pain and faithfulness allow us to be encouraged and uplifted as we examine our own lives.

Thank you for your time. Thank you for your prayers and your dedication to this project. May God richly bless you for your efforts and may He use your work to bless each and every reader.

Thanks to:
^{Stephen Adcock
Dawn Barnett
Jase Bass
Brad Bentley
Brad Bowen
Michelle Bowen
Deborah Campbell
Mark Cunningham
Laveta Edwards
Chrissie Forehand
Jon Forehand
Mitch Griffin
Emily Hall
John Michael Hall
Nettie Hatcher
Richard Henry
David Hopkins
Jim Lewis
Jamie Lowery
Bill McCalley
Lisa McLemore
Caleb & Delaysha Moore
Amy Owen
Bruce & Cathy Owen
Zach Owen
Cheryle Reeves
Roy Reeves
Karell Scott
Eddie Seagle
Josie Smith
Dennis Swartzentruber
Ty & Tiffany Sutz
John & MaryKaye Turrentine
Andrew & Ashley Underdown
Diane Walden
Dalena West
Kerri White

...and a Anonymous Writer, writing from a Muslim country.}