And we know that for those who love God all things work for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, ESV

Throughout all of scripture, God has written a narrative about who He is and how much He loves us. This story is full of sacrifice, love, mercy, correction, and eternal hope.

Satan also has spread his narrative throughout history. His story fills our minds with doubts and fears. His voice can lead us to believe that God has forsaken us, abandoned us, and forgotten us. Satan is still screaming this message into our world today.

Thankfully, God’s hopeful narrative is as true today as it was at the beginning of time. We can see evidence of this in the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis.

Joseph was loved by his father Jacob. He was given the gift of interpreting dreams. But when one of his dreams offended his brothers, they sold him into slavery. While in captivity, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and then thrown into prison where he was left for many years. In prison, he interpreted the dreams of two prisoners who just happened to work for the pharaoh. After one of the prisoners was released, he told the pharaoh about Joseph’s gift when the leader was concerned about one of his dreams. As a reward for interpreting the dream, Joseph was put in a position of authority and ultimately was used by God to save Egypt from a terrible famine. In the end, Joseph also saved his own brothers from starvation and restored his family and the people of Israel.

Some say that it was over 15 years from the time Joseph was sold into slavery until the time that he was put into a place of authority. That is a lot of time to wait to see the fulfillment of God’s plan! I am sure that the enemy spoke messages of doubt, fear, and abandonment to Joseph. But, we know that Joseph put his trust in God. When Joseph got out of his dark place, he thanked the Lord for what He had done for him. In Genesis 50:20, he says to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Joseph’s story reminds us that it can be hard to understand God’s plans in the middle of a difficult situation. But even though we face unknowns, we can find hope in God’s narrative. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

If you are facing a difficult situation today, be reminded that God is good and trust that He will reveal great things on the other side of the chaos you may see right now.

You are a good God and we praise Your name! Please keep us focused on Your goodness through times of uncertainty. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyright Heather Kohnen.

Heather, formerly an elementary teacher in Minnesota, now serves as the director of the AWAKE project for Christian Educators.