You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. – Genesis 50:20
Hebrews 12:10-11
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.
11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening– it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
“When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” is a 1985 song recorded by English singer Billy Ocean. The song served as the soundtrack for the Michael Douglas film The Jewel of the Nile, propelling it to international fame. It topped the UK Singles Chart in February 1986 and came in second on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
However, a decade and a half before Billy Ocean sang it, John Wooden was the amazing and innovative head basketball coach at the University of California, Los Angeles. He changed the entire nature of the game and was nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood.” He won ten NCAA national championships in 12 years and an all-time record of seven in a row.
Wooden formulated the “Pyramid of Success,” with competitive greatness forming its core principle: “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going. Be at your best when your best is needed. Real love of a hard battle.” No doubt it worked! His pyramid comprised 24 characteristics that he believed were key to achieving success.
The 24 attributes of success include Faith through prayer; Patience – good things take time, fight, effort, and hustle; Reliability – others depend on you; Resourcefulness; – proper judgment; Poise, just being yourself, being at ease in any situation, never fighting yourself; Confidence – respect without fear, which may come from faith in yourself in knowing that you are prepared, Adaptability to any situation or condition; and Integrity.
The pages of history are replete with people who have endured injustice and suffering. It seems that hardly anyone is spared from mistreatment, criticism, and outright conflict. The Father uses these things to make us more like Christ.
Joseph’s life was marred by more unfair treatment and betrayal than most Westerners could even imagine. His brothers sold him into slavery. He was incarcerated on the false accusations made by Potiphar’s wife. In prison, for all practical purposes, he was abandoned and forgotten, left to rot. But something marvelous was happening deep in the dungeon. The Father was quietly sculpting his character. Joseph began to comprehend the Father’s ways and was being prepared for what was to happen in the future. He discovered joy in the midst of sorrow and purpose in the midst of hopelessness. All that happened to him was nothing more than growing pains.
REFLECT & PRAY
“God’s will does not come to us in the whole, but in fragments, and generally in small fragments” (F. W. Faber).
Father allow me to see my affliction and suffering as nothing more than growing pains. May I learn to instinctively ask, “What would You have me learn from this experience?” You are the Potter, and I am the clay. You are forming me into what you want me to be. May the image of the Lord Jesus Christ grow and burst forth through my life.
INSIGHT
Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
The Father possesses an extraordinary and marvelous ability to intertwine human plans and intentions with His divine purpose and goals. Joseph, who experienced a series of betrayals and disappointments, was unknowingly part of the Father’s grand design. In every detail, the Father was orchestrating His plan, which unfolded in due time.
The evil intentions and selfishness of those who sought to harm Joseph inadvertently led to the deliverance of the nation of Egypt and many others from death through famine. The man Joseph became, as he languished and was seemingly forgotten in an Egyptian prison cell, was the work of the Father. Joseph stands as a prime example of His handiwork.
As stated in Proverbs 19:21, You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.
Joseph grew into a mature, godly man of faith. His generous, forgiving demeanor brought his family back together, which was an integral part of the Father’s plan. Seventy members of Joseph’s family relocated to Egypt to survive and prosper (Genesis 46:27). After the administration changed and Joseph was no longer in control, his people were enslaved and remained so for 400 years. However, this, too, was a part of the Father’s intricate plan.
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
Viewing things from the Father’s perspective brings about a profound transformation. It’s a remarkable paradigm shift.
In the difficulties and disappointments of life, we always have a choice. We can focus on the wrongs done to us and the pain we have suffered. Or we can ask the Father what He wants us to learn from our experiences. The former leads to sadness, remorse, and even bitterness. But the latter opens the way for the Father to reveal His ways and purposes and provide guidance. The journey towards spiritual growth and godliness commences with small, incremental baby steps. This, in turn, cultivates a positive attitude towards the Father and an understanding of how He works in our lives.
Hebrews 12:12-14
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.
13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak, and lame will not fall but become strong.
14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life . . .
The Father frequently uses hardship to cultivate and burst forth the life of the Lord Jesus Christ within us. His ultimate goal is to create a growing “family resemblance” amongst all children of the King children. The book of Genesis concludes with a vivid display of Joseph’s Christ-like life in full bloom!
Genesis 50:19-24
19 Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.
22 So Joseph, his brothers, and their families continued to live in Egypt. Joseph lived to the age of 110.
24 “God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 