Growing through life’s trials is part of God’s plan for our life as He shapes and molds us like clay on the potter’s wheel. My life trials have been a significant teacher in transforming me into a better person. You may be experiencing a trial and wondering how any good can come out of this situation.
Isaiah 64:8 And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. [1] My sister’s son died in his mid-twenties after suffering for three years from cancer. His illness, death, and the resulting grief seemed overwhelming. Through all of this, the Lord continues to be faithful in her life, bringing healing and a deeper understanding for others in similar situations.
Joseph’s brothers Experienced Trials in Life
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery because they hated him, so he became a slave in Egypt. After spending many years as a slave, the Lord intervened in his life, and Joseph became second only to Pharaoh in Egypt. When his brothers came to purchase grain from Joseph, they didn’t recognize him. Joseph treated them harshly to determine if they had changed.
Genesis 42:17 So Joseph put them all in prison for three days. 18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “I am a God-fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live. 19 If you really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with grain for your starving families. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die.” To this, they agreed. 21 Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly, we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.” [2]
God is at Work in Our Trials
Joseph put his brothers through a trial similar to what they had done to him years earlier. We don’t often realize the Lord uses trials to refine us even when the sins of others bring them about. If you face a difficult test today, pray to the Lord.
As you pray, remember that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and gives us the strength to endure what is impossible. Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. [3]
To learn more about growing through life’s trials, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/brothers-grow-in-faith
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.