You Are Not Alone

Have you ever been treated unfairly? Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Have you ever been falsely accused? Have you encountered other experiences when life just seemed unfair? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are not alone!

The Bible tells the story of a young man named Joseph. Humanly speaking, one could say life was unfair to Joseph. Joseph was disliked by his brothers. Of course, Joseph did not help matters when he bragged about dreams he had where his brothers would bow down to him (Gen. 37:5-9). His dad did not help because he showed favoritism,  going even as far to make Joseph an expensive robe to wear (Gen. 37:3). His brothers were  jealous and hated him; so much so, they plotted to kill him (Gen. 37:4, 18). Fortunately his brother Reuben intervened and spared his life; however, his brothers ended up selling him and Joseph ended up in Egypt (Gen. 37:25-28). He was bought by a man named Potiphar, one of King Pharaoh’s officials (Gen. 39:1).

So how did Joseph make it in a strange land, surrounded by complete strangers?  Rather than simply survive, Joseph thrived. Scripture tells us that “the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (Gen. 39:2). Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes and was placed in charge of his household. God blessed everything that Potiphar owned for Joseph’s sake. However, Joseph’s hardships were not quite over. Potiphar’s wife lied about him and the charges were so serious that Joseph was put in prison (Gen. 39:11-20). While in prison, God gave him favor in the sight of the prison warden and Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners (Gen. 39:21-22). Eventually Joseph was called upon to interpret the dreams of King Pharaoh, which he did with God’s help. King Pharaoh observed that the Spirit of God was on him and since Joseph was so discerning and wise, Pharaoh promoted him to the second highest position in the land of Egypt (Gen. 41:38-44).

Even while living in a strange place surrounded by strangers, Joseph was faithful. He was faithful to serve those who were over him. He was faithful to obey God’s commands by not committing adultery with Potiphar’s wife even though she pursued him time and time again. He was faithful while a prisoner. He was even faithful to forgive his brothers for selling him (Gen. 50:15-21). How could he remain faithful even when life seemed so unfair? He knew God was with him. He knew God was watching over him. He knew God was working out His plan (Gen. 50:20).

If you are a child of God who is going through some difficulty remember that you are not alone. God is with you! He is watching over you and He is working out His plan for your life (Rom. 8:28-29). If you are reading this and are not a child of God, then understand that you desperately need Him. Turn to God and admit to Him that you are a sinner in desperate need of His salvation. Believe the good news that Jesus died for you (Rom. 5:6-8) and then confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you will be saved (Rom. 10:9).