As you go through life, you will encounter a multitude of situations that may cause you discouragement. A common source of frustration is other people. This can be especially painful when it’s from people who should be close to you, such as family members. Joseph in the Old Testament was sold into slavery by his brothers. When we are harmed by others, our natural response is to retaliate. How did Joseph handle the situation?

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” (Genesis 50:15)

Psychologists refer to this as projection. When we are unaware of our unconscious impulses but attribute them to others then we are projecting them on others. The brothers were worried that Joseph would seek revenge for the harm they inflicted upon him – they were revealing the condition of their heart.

So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. (Genesis 50:16-17)

Joseph had moved past any thought of retaliation. Joseph reflected humility and God’s perspective as he answered his brothers,

But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21)

Joseph realized that God is sovereign and everything that happened to him was for a purpose. As we journey through life we come to learn that God uses hardships to prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. Joseph understood and lived the truth that the Apostle Paul communicated to the church at Rome,

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

You may be facing a situation that you don’t understand, a situation that makes no sense. I’m sure Joseph felt that way when he was betrayed by his brothers and then thrown into prison for putting God first in his life. You don’t need to fear the shadows, that means there’s a light shining somewhere nearby. Clare Boothe Luce reminds us, “There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.” Trust in Him – even when you’re in the shadows.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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