Challenging Times

From: InTouch Ministries

Psalm 46:2 “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.”

The life of Joseph teaches important principles about challenging times.

Difficulties will continue until God's purpose is accomplished. In Joseph's case, God's plan was to prepare him to rescue his family as well as the nation of Egypt from famine. In order to ready Joseph for a position of authority and responsibility, God placed him in an important Egyptian household as a slave. There, in hard circumstances, Joseph could learn key lessons needed for the future. Not only did he acquire important skills, but his faith and relationship with the Lord were also strengthened. God still operates that way, equipping us to accomplish the work He has planned for us. (Ephesians 2:10)

We learn more in the dark than we do in the light. Besides discovering God's faithfulness, Joseph learned to handle high and low positions, to say no to temptation, and to discern God's presence. The principles and truths we read in Scripture are not really ours until they get tested and tried.

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light. Joseph openly shared his faith and knowledge from God when he interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams. (Genesis 41:15-16) He did not let imprisonment stop him from helping others. (Genesis 40:1-23) What we learn in our trials is to be offered to those who are suffering.

None of us look for hard times, but they seem to find us regularly. Instead of fearing them, we can trust God and embrace His plan. He uses trials for His glory and our gain. (Job 23:10) We can count on it.