Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion by Anne Graham Lotz, adapted from God Won’t Leave You There co-authored with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, copyright Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.
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One of the incredible takeaways from Joseph’s story is that throughout his suffering, God was with him, guiding him and transforming him into a truly magnificent person and a powerfully effective leader—someone he never would have become living in his father Jacob’s tents. Joseph’s life is even more amazing in that he is a very Christlike character—in the Old Testament!
- We are given the distinct impression that Joseph lived a life that was in almost every way a reflection of Jesus’ life.
Which leads us to conclude that sometimes God uses suffering, betrayal, hardship and devastating life-turns to get us where He wants us to be and to develop us into the people He created us to be... for our own good and His glory. Like with Joseph, our path of suffering actually may be the road to His ultimate purpose for our lives. We can be confident that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) Joseph’s story bears witness to the truth of that promise. Psalm 23:4 clearly states,
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
God was with Joseph, in the shadows, as he walked through years and years of a dark valley. In fact, the verse before the one quoted above underscores, He guides me in paths of righteousness… the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers, his being sold into slavery, then imprisoned, was the right path for him. That’s astonishing! Because in the end, the path God had placed Joseph on led to his own exaltation and glory and the salvation of his family as well as that of the world! Joseph bore witness of this truth when he said to his brothers,
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. — Genesis 50:20
Did you hear what he said?
His suffering was divinely intentional for a larger purpose than his personal comfort and convenience!
Yet we are left to wonder if there was an even greater dimension to God’s ultimate purpose for Joseph’s suffering. Could it be that God intends for you and me to see Jesus in the shadows of Joseph’s life, so that we recognize Him in the shadows of our own lives, and reflect Him to others? Think about it… the parallel of Joseph’s life to the life of Jesus is so obvious it’s hard to miss.
Jesus, the beloved favored Son, was sent by the heavenly Father to find and save His “brothers.” (John 3:16) In obedience to His Father, Jesus began a journey that was thirty-three years long. Although He was in His Father’s will, doing the right thing and even going the extra mile all the way to the cross, He, too, was set on a path of suffering—a path fiercer, the attacks more brutal, and the pain more immense than we could conceive or a human heart could endure. Jesus, too, was rejected by those He sought to redeem, despised by those He loved. (John 1:11, Isaiah 53:3) He was stripped of His robe, which was not dipped in animal’s blood but soaked in His own blood and gambled for by cruel soldiers. (John 19:23-24) His brothers didn’t throw Him into a pit; they crucified Him! (John 19:18) He was alone. Forsaken.
Yet, like Joseph, in the blink of an eye, Jesus was raised up to sit on a throne! (Ephesians1:19-23) And from that exalted position He was, and still is, able to save not only His family but the entire world, which includes anyone and everyone who comes to Him by faith. (Matthew 1:21, John 3:17)
One day the whole world will acknowledge His authority as every knee bows before Him. (Philippians 2:9-11)
Jesus won’t be wearing a seamless robe that was gambled for but a robe of light more brilliant than the sun! (Mark 9:3) He will be the center of universal praise as the One who alone is worthy of all glory, honor, power, strength, and wisdom. (Revelation 5:12)
In the end, the Father’s ultimate purpose is revealed. The Son of the Father is known to the whole world as the Lamb of God whose blood atones for our sin. (Revelation 4:9) Jesus will be known as the only Savior whose suffering opens the way for our reconciliation with His Father, as the Risen Lord who one day will rule the world as King of kings. (Romans 5:10, Revelation 19:16)
Could it be that God also has an ultimate purpose when your life turns upside down? Could it be that you, like Joseph, are in the process of becoming a reflection of Jesus? If you find yourself on a path of suffering that is made even more painful because you have done nothing wrong, look for Jesus in the shadows.
He is with you. He is guiding you. And He will bring you through.
God won’t leave you there...
Lord of Eternity,
I worship You as One who is omniscient. You know everything. You know the beginning and the end. You are the One who is omnipresent. You are with us 24–7, and You are omnipotent. Nothing is beyond Your ability to work out and to overcome. So, on this day, I choose to trust You when You are working in the shadows of my life. I know You have marked out a right path for me. I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Don’t let me miss the glorious future You have for me tomorrow because I am walking through the valley of the shadow today. Help me to reflect the beauty of Jesus in all I do and say.
For the glory of Your great name!
Amen
By Anne Graham Lotz, adapted from God Won’t Leave You There co-authored with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, copyright Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.
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Your Turn
God works for the good of those who love Him. Romans assures us of that as does the story of Joseph. If your life has turned upside down, God also has an ultimate purpose. He won’t leave you there! He is with you. He is guiding you. And He will bring you through. ~ Devotionals Daily
