A Lesson in Accepting Our Circumstances

Sometimes life hits us hard. A lay-off, loss of a loved one, or a failed marriage can instantly change our view on life. When we make a wrong choice and suffer consequences, we can understand. But when we can't trace a misstep on our part, it's hard to accept our seemingly undeserved circumstances. Especially when we are striving hard to follow God's will for our lives.

Sometimes, being "in the pits" is the best place for us. Need more proof that this can be true? Let's look at the life of a young man who suffered several seemingly underserved losses. He grew up in a home with many disadvantages. He heard stories of his Grandmother encouraging his father to steal from his own brother. He saw his brothers kill an entire town for revenge. He lived among jealousy, favoritism, and sibling rivalry. He had every excuse for making poor choices and blaming his family.

But this young man was able to rise above his circumstances and the negative environment around him to become a leader, a deliverer, an inspiration. This young man was Joseph. If we turn in the Bible to Genesis chapter 37, we learn that Joseph's dreams of grandeur and a better life caused his own brothers to hate him. As a result of that hatred, they threw him in a pit and later sold him to traders who carried him miles and miles away from everything he knew, everything he had, and everything he loved.

Now, in an unknown, foreign country, away from his father who doted on him, Joseph finds himself alone. It is here that his character is tested. He draws from the lessons learned at the feet of his father and he begins to perform his newly assigned work, not to please his employer, but to please God. And God rewards his efforts and blesses everything that Joseph touches. His employer takes notice and promotes Joseph to a higher position as overseer of his house and all that he owns. Just as things are looking up for Joseph, just as he begins to find his purpose, the other shoe drops. In demonstrating moral integrity towards his employer in regards to his wife, Joseph is accused of the worse crime, a crime which he did not commit. His standing up for the right lands him in prison.

Yet Joseph continues to perform his duties as if he's working for God. His integrity does not waver and, as a result, God gives him favor in the eyes of the prison keeper. Once again, Joseph is promoted to the highest position in prison. Though it seems as if he has been forgotten by God, he is merely being groomed for something grander. As a potter has to heat the clay to the highest temperatures to finish the masterpiece, so God had to burn off the selfish, spoiled, damaged parts of Joseph's character to create His masterpiece.

Through a series of events, Joseph gets the opportunity to stand before Pharaoh. With the help of God, he interprets Pharaoh's dream and advises him on how to plan for the future. Now, finally, Joseph receives his reward and is appointed second in command to Pharaoh.

Had Joseph given up before the purifying process was completed, he would not have been ready to take the lead position of the land. Had he escaped from any part of his required training, he would have been unfit to be entrusted with such a great responsibility. When we are at our lowest point, we have to trust that God is allowing everything for our good. No heartache, no difficulty, no injustice is wasted in God's will for our lives. Whatever our circumstance, if we trust in God and stay true to Him in everything, we too can be fitted for His grand purpose.