Do you believe God can use your unjust suffering for something greater?
Have you ever had a moment in life where you paused and wondered, “How did I end up in this mess?” Rest assured, you’re not alone! I can imagine that’s how Joseph must’ve felt many times (read his story in Genesis 37 onwards)
As we read through the course of Joseph’s life, we can’t detect any mistakes on his part. He seems nearly faultless: a hardworking man of great character. Sold into slavery through no fault of his own, thrown into prison due to false accusations when he had in fact shown great integrity by resisting Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).
Although Joseph wasn’t sinless (no man is), His near faultless life reflects that of another innocent man who was punished for the sins of others: Jesus.
Jesus, the only man ever who knew no sin, was falsely accused, unjustly imprisoned, and executed while innocent.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21
In the end, Joseph receives the honour he deserves and is given the highest honour in all of Egypt, only one step below the Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:39-40).
Jesus, too, is given the place of highest honour at the right hand of the throne of God, and all angels, authorities and powers must submit to Him (1 Peter 3:21-22).
Reading through Joseph’s life, I can’t help but wonder whether Joseph knew that all his seemingly unjust and pointless suffering was actually part of a larger narrative? One that pointed to Jesus in profound and prophetic ways.
Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that our suffering, however long, hard, and unfair it may seem, is part of a bigger picture we can’t see but God can.
When we endure suffering with grace, our lives, just like Joseph’s, become a living testimony to Jesus.
