The United States Declaration of Independence lays out three rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
As an American, immersed in a culture preaching the goal of personal pleasure, I feel as if the Lord’s presence should bring only blessing. But God’s ways are not my own. Joseph was stuck in a place of struggle . . . and the Lord was with him.
Although the Bible doesn’t offer specifics on Joseph’s feelings during his time of unjust imprisonment, we do know some details. His wait in a dark place lasted awhile. Pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer joined Joseph in prison. After Joseph interpreted their dreams and the cupbearer was set free, two years passed before the cupbearer remembered Joseph and set off a chain of events that led to Joseph’s release.
Joseph later interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and was promoted to a position of great authority in Egypt. But the Lord was with Joseph before the brighter days occurred. During the wait, the Lord sustained him, extending little kindnesses like allowing him to find favor with the head jailer. God gave Joseph productive work to do. Even though Joseph was likely sad and frustrated, the Lord didn’t leave him or forsake him.
When situations seem bleak and hopeless, the Lord is with you if you are His child. His promise is not isolated to a faith giant like Joseph. It extends to all believers. Hebrews 13:5 proclaims, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
If you are struggling with circumstances that don’t look as if they will soon change, remember the Lord is mighty to save—whether that salvation comes in this life or the next. Don’t let your heart be discouraged. Like Joseph, do your best in the situation you find yourself in, and trust the Lord in the wait. He is with you and He isn’t slow.
Praise the Lord for being sovereign over all things. His timing in your life is just right.
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Leah Genuario is the publications director at Eastern Christian School in New Jersey. Prior to having children, she served as editor-in-chief of Beauty Packaging Magazine. Leah lives with her husband of sixteen years and her two boys, ages nine and eleven.