When Life is the Pits – Part 2

In my last post, I recounted the story of Joseph’s devastation as his brothers sold him into slavery. If you think Joseph’s troubles pale compared to yours, remember that not only did he get thrown into a pit and sold into slavery, but then, even when he was working hard and being faithful, trouble struck again.This time, his master’s wife kept pushing herself on him. Everything in Joseph’s life screamed of unfairness. He could’ve easily convinced himself that a little pleasure with a more-than-willing woman was justified. Not Joseph… he took the high road. But he still had to pay the penalty when he was falsely accused of infidelity. Completely innocent, Joseph found himself in another pit. His choices were above reproach, yet his consequences put him in the depths of prison. So, is there anything to learn from a man who can’t seem to catch a break? Is there any reason to do the right thing if it might still turn out the wrong way?The answer to both is yes. Absolutely. Yes. What Joseph lives is a message we must hear. We have a choice when it comes to how we respond to adversity. Adversity is coming…. and not just adversity that we cause. In this fallen world, it would be highly abnormal not to suffer from someone else’s infliction of adversity. Just like God gives us a choice to love, we also have a choice in how we respond to pain.[bctt tweet="We have a choice when it comes to how we respond to adversity."]No matter how much the Lord was with Joseph through each of his trials, at every crossroad Joseph had a choice. When he arrived in a new country as a slave, he could’ve dug his heels in. When he was asked to do the most menial tasks, he could’ve resisted. When he was thrown in jail, he would’ve been justified to wither or curse the Lord and ask, “Where are You, God?” When he knew he could help a fellow inmate, he could’ve kept it to himself. Every time, Joseph chose the high road… the blessable road.If you’re in the middle of a valley right now, I urge you to cling to the ways of Joseph. He didn’t change his standards based upon his circumstances. At every step of the difficult path, he knew he was a child of God. No matter what life threw at him, he could honor the Lord in his response. So can you.[bctt tweet="In the midst of our difficult circumstances, our faithfulness matters to God."]I have to believe that it was this unwavering commitment to be above reproach that allowed Joseph to continue to receive the Lord’s favor. With eyes set on heaven, Joseph eventually articulates what each believer must cling to: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). God’s ultimate use of Joseph’s adversity was for Joseph to provide food for his family and countrymen. The story wasn’t about Joseph at all. Did Joseph see this all along? No, but he kept his eyes on the Lord and trusted that his faithfulness mattered.Ladies, in the midst of your difficult circumstances, your faithfulness matters to God. He may not remove the adversity, but He is there and He can bring success to you even in the midst of chaos. Stay faithful… one decision at a time.