Trusting God's Timing

The Descent to Suffering

Foundation Text: Genesis 37:3-13; 39:1-5; 50:15-21

God gives us opportunities to wait patiently every single day. Sometimes it's hard to be patient and wait for things to happen, like waiting in line at the grocery store or waiting in traffic. But maybe there's a reason for this wait that we just can't see yet. Trusting God's timing means having faith and patience, believing that His time is perfect even if it may not align with our desires or expectations.

Joseph's descent to suffering left him in a holding pattern, but throughout it all, the Lord was with him, taking care of him. When Joseph's brothers despised him and sold him into slavery, he found favor with his master Potiphar and was put in charge of his household. But when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him, Joseph was thrown into prison. Even there, God gave him favor with the warden, and Joseph soon became the assistant in running the prison.

Waiting on God

It's easy to get frustrated and turn your back on God when things don't work out the way we hoped. But this is the essence of faith - holding onto what God has said, even when our circumstances contradict it. Joseph refused to allow his eyes to deceive him; he knew what God had spoken, and that was what he hoped for.

Believing God is Still God

During seasons of suffering, we are tempted to put ourselves, other people, or things in the place of God. But we must hold onto the reality that God is still the King, even in our suffering. Like the Psalmist who said, "For God alone my soul waits in silence," we must trust that God is still in control.

Calling Out to God

We cannot take for granted the power and vitality found by pouring our hearts out to God in prayer. When we call out to Him, He draws near to us, even in times of long waiting and extended suffering. The Psalmist said, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry."

Drawing Strength from the Lord

Like a seed planted in the soil whose roots extend deep before any green breaks the surface, or a dormant fruit tree drawing nutrients before any fruit grows, we must draw upon the strength that God gives, especially in extended times of suffering or waiting. As Isaiah wrote, "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles."

Moving Forward by Faith

Joseph did not wallow in self-pity, but stepped forward in obedience, eventually rising to responsible positions in both Potiphar's house and the prison. We too must live out the Apostle Paul's words, "for we walk by faith, not by sight."

Allowing God to Build Perseverance and Maturity

Just as an athlete or musician must work to the edge of their ability to grow stronger, God uses our seasons of waiting and suffering to build perseverance and maturity in us. As James wrote, "the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

The Redemption of Joseph

When Joseph revealed his identity to his guilt-ridden brothers, he forgave them, saying, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." God took the bad things that happened to Joseph and turned them around for his favor, ultimately using him to save his family and the whole nation of Israel.

When life gets you down, remember how God used a slave to save the world, and imagine what He can do through you. Hold onto hope, for God is shaping and working in your life, even in the midst of hardship. Trust that He will bring good out of the bad, for the essence of redemption is that God can take the worst situations and turn them around for our good.

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