Job and Joseph

As a Christian, we are connected with God, not to be comfortable and cozy, but to be effective and significant. The role God has for us will often play an integral part on a much wider canvas than what we see. Committed to God's agenda, we are able to go through life knowing that nothing touches us without the permission of God.

Job, who suffered greatly, could not see God anywhere in this, but he was able to affirm: "He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). At the onslaught of devastating tragedy, Job said, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (2:10) God's work is good, and its ultimate effect is good. In the end, Job had personally experienced God in a way that truly exalted Him, and he was never the same again.

Joseph, the second youngest of 12 sons of Jacob, was another man whose life was falling apart, but unlike Job, God had given Joseph dreams; glimpses into the future, which he saw as his brothers bowing down to him. Jealous and hateful of him, his brothers sold him to Ishmaelite traders. He was brought to Egypt, auctioned off as a slave and ended up in prison for a crime he did not commit. Had someone said to Joseph while he was in prison, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28), he would have wondered what they were talking about. His prime years were spent either as a slave or a prisoner.

Joseph was a man of God, and no doubt had hoped his life was destined for something far more than being a convict, but it was not until much later he realized God wanted him in the palace of Egypt. The only way was through the back door, more specifically, the dungeon door, and it would take thirteen years of captivity to get there. God had given Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams, which enabled him to see beyond his years of suffering.

God may or may not do the same for us, but we are to live every day with thankful anticipation that this day is in God's hands, and He has an agenda to unfold. It may be this day will be one of triumph or it could be one where tragedy strikes, but God will not have been caught unaware. Even were death to come, it will be right on time, and it will not be long before we know everything!