Suffering: Friend or Foe?

A decade after Joseph arrived in Egypt, he occupied the second most powerful position in the government. God revealed in Pharaoh’s dreams that there would be seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of drought. Joseph managed programs to save the nation from starvation. He constructed warehouses and filled them with grain during in the seven years of abundance.

What made Joseph trustworthy? First, he never promoted himself as special. He gave God credit for interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. He saw himself only as God’s messenger. He never asked Pharaoh for privileges because he believed God had provided for him and protected him through all the suffering he had endured.

Suffering is often considered an enemy and a sign of God’s punishment. Adversity, though not always from God, can be used to strengthen your faith as well as your character. When harsh conditions are approaching, let them be the means for renewing your faith and trust in God. He will cleanse you and provide a more perfect way to live. 

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And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

~Romans 8:28 The Living Bible

Endure: Don't Give In or Give Up - Part 2

Endurance is, in truth, a test of values, especially where competing values cause conflict. A book called Values and Teaching, identifies most people as believing in prolonging life. However, place that ideal in a situation where someone is suffering from unbearable pain, caused by an incurable disease, and wishes to die…

Thank God most of us do not face that choice, but other situations where values collide make choosing unpleasant. You appreciate rules for driving safely, and although you need to be on time for work, you're late. You cherish being a patient, kind person, but someone is using you to their advantage. Your integrity depends on choosing your actions wisely.

A man explained he had a chance to reconcile with his ex-wife. He wanted to do right by his family and please God, but lack of trust blocked the pathway. God’s word teaches you to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, and he will guide your path." This is God’s choice for all believers.