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

Surviving and Thriving

Is it possible to do constructive, good things in the worst possible conditions? Victor Frankl, a Jewish Vienna psychiatrist, was arrested by the Nazi SS during World War II and sent to a concentration camp. He survived unimaginable suffering by finding meaning and purpose for his life each day doing something good for others.

Joseph possessed such an optimistic attitude as a slave. While in prison, God gave him an opportunity to interpret the dreams of a fellow inmate who had served Pharaoh, King of Egypt. He told the former servant he would be restored to his position in Pharaoh's court. Joseph helped his fellow inmate out of kindness with no expectation of being rewarded.

Listen to Luke 6:38. "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will others give to you.” Victor Frankl survived the concentration camp by following Jesus’ command, as had Joseph who would later serve the Pharaoh, King of Egypt. Imagine that!  

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We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.

~Romans 5:3-4 The Living Bible