Everybody going through unpleasant experiences can feel and think like they're at the lowest point in their lives. However, those who have gone through something bad and learned from it can say that such experiences help to make them better; positively influence their perspective on life; and even help them realise that God was with them through it all as He has promised.
Unwanted circumstances
One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is that of the patriarch Joseph, who experienced being stripped by his brothers, thrown into a cistern, and then sold as a slave into Egypt (see Genesis 37:12-36), while his jealous brothers made it appear like he was killed by an animal (v. 29-33).
Once he was there in Egypt, God prospered Joseph and made him the most trusted man in the home of one of the Pharaoh's officials named Potiphar (see Gen. 39:1-6). However, he was again framed, this time by Potiphar's wife, and was thrown into prison (v. 6-20).
While in prison, God blessed Joseph and enabled him to win the warden's favor (v. 20-23). There Joseph again suffered another sad incident: being forgotten by those he had helped (Gen. 40).
Then a sudden turnaround
Still, God favored Joseph. After some time, Joseph was brought into the Pharaoh's palace, and soon after he became the second most powerful man in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself (Gen. 41). He later experienced the best experience of his life: being reconciled to his brothers who betrayed him and being reunited with his dad who almost died from the sadness of losing him.
There are some great lessons that we can learn from Joseph's life of suffering. Here are three of them:
1) Realize that God will never forsake you
Joseph went into Egypt as a slave, sold by his own brothers. He experienced all kinds of betrayal – in family (brothers), in his career (Potiphar's house), and in his friendships (the cupbearer). Still, Joseph saw the redemptive hand of God, in that through all that he went through, God was with him and never forsook him.
2) You can choose to be victorious always
Joseph could have decided to be bitter towards everybody, but he didn't. He got up every time he fell. He forgave offenders and released offenses, and carried no baggage. He lived victoriously, and we can too, by the grace of God. Remember, "God was with Joseph" all the time. He is with us, too.
3) See God's good purposes in what you go through
At the end of it all, Joseph saw that God had allowed all that happened to him for good. Joseph told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). See God's purposes for your circumstances. Realise that God plans for your good always (see Jeremiah 29:11).
Read more about getting through trials here:
How could a good God allow so much suffering?
How can we believe in a God who allows evil and suffering?
Pastor Francis Chan tells Christians to embrace suffering to overcome sin
