Life is chaotic. Not only in the sense that things get hectic at times, but more so that sometimes circumstances are just plain difficult. When we try our best but hardships get the better of us, what are we meant to do? When chaos raises its head, what can we do?
Joseph was a man who battled against the tides of chaos his whole life. Many of you are likely familiar with his story, but here’s a quick recap: Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers when he was young. While a slave, he was falsely accused of sleeping with his master’s wife & was thrown into prison. In prison, he interpreted the dreams of prisoners, was forgotten for 2 years by one who was freed, only then to be asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, after which he was placed in authority over all Egypt, allowing him to save the lives of the very brothers who sold him into slavery.
It’s so easy to see how chaos roared against Joseph during each step of his journey, however Joseph’s response to this chaos is what truly hits home: in every situation, he was faithful with what was given to him, despite the chaos.
Forced into slavery? He was faithful & honoring in his responsibilities. Trapped in prison? Rather than shutting down, he offered comfort & interpretations to those struggling. When Pharaoh, the leader of the nation that had afflicted Joseph for years, asked for help with a dream, he humbly accepted and shared God’s interpretation.
Joseph could’ve hardened his heart & cursed his lot in life many times, but rather than giving into chaos, he submitted to the Lord and chose to bless those around him rather than curse them, and from this, the Lord blessed him.
This is what God is calling us to when we experience hardship, turmoil, letdowns, & inconvenience. Are we embittering ourselves, or showing faithfulness & honor? My encouragement to you in this season is the principle Joseph lived by: when the tides of chaos rise against you, press into the Father.
In doing so, you live as a citizen of Heaven rather than of the world, welcoming God into the wilderness to strengthen & nurture you within your hardship. As Joseph himself said “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Gen 42:52 ESV)
Will you let Him do the same for you?