How Trials Can Take You From The Pit To The Palace
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“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
The story of Joseph is an all too familiar one. Many of us learned about him with his coat of many colors while we were still in elementary school. The coat was a special gift given to him by his father Jacob.
By the look of things, Joseph was the apple of his father’s eyes and was also his favorite son. His father loved him deeply – I imagine not more than his other children, but it was a special kind of love that he had for Joseph that almost cost Joseph his life.
His brothers saw that as Jacob showing favoritism towards Joseph, and in a strange twist of faith, they conspired against him in a plot worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster movie. It was a plot to kill him.
His brothers in the end stripped him of his coat of many colors, then dumped him into a nearby pit. Within a few moments however, they sold him into slavery to a group of Medianite traders who were passing for a measly twenty shekels of silver. From there, he was taken to Egypt. Read full story in [Genesis 37]
Trials of Yesterday are Still With Us Today
Yesterday’s trials and conspiracies are still with us today and in many instances are far worse. People have become bold-er and heartless.
They not only throw their brothers and sisters in a pit for being loved by our Heavenly Father, or being called a Christian, they are actually taking their lives and shedding their blood in cold murder.
It is a tough pill to swallow as we helplessly watch the increase of violence, terrorism and death around the world.
Yet as difficult as this may seem, we were called to bear up under the trials of each day. We must “remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
The Lord Jesus calls us blessed. He says,
“Blessed are yo when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ~ Matthew 5;11-12 NIV
How To Get From The Pit To The Palace?
Joseph’s story had a happy ending. He served his time in the pit as a slave and although he was wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39) and ended up in prison.
But all the while he was in prison, the Lord was with him and due to his continued obedience and faithfulness to God, kindness and favor came upon him and he was promoted as king in Pharaoh’s palace. Whatever Joseph did, God gave him success.
You too can have a beautiful outcome by following these basic principles:
1. Forgive those who do you wrong or have hurt your feelings
2. Do not hold a grudge against the individuals who meant you harm and evil
3. Love them and see them through the eyes of God and from His heart of compassion and mercy
4. Use every opportunity to do some deed of kindness to them
5. Remain faithful to God no matter what the situation may be.
6. Remain steadfast and continually read God’s word for spiritual strength so that you stay grounded in the faith.
7. Pray without ceasing – God will see you through.
Kingdom Ambassadors Empowerment Network 
Hi Yvonne
The story of Joseph is full of insight and it reminds us to love our enemy and pray for them no matter what harm they do to us.
I have had to forgive someone recently even when he was at fault. I want to add that today many people are suffering from diseases due to unforgiveness
Jesus is wise. Knowing this truth, Jesus freed us by telling us to forgive so that we will be free.
Hi Ikechi
I am delighted to see you here again and for sharing your own personal experience. The spirit of forgiveness is a grace that only God can give. Even though I know that it can be hard at times to forgive those who have done wrong to us, by Jesus’ standard, it is the right thing to do. Forgiveness will set us free.
Thanks for bringing up such a valuable point. 🙂 Continue to enjoy the week ahead.
Hi Yvonne,
Wonderful indeed 🙂
Although I don’t know much about the Bible and Joseph, as I am not a Christian, but have just read a little in school and otherwise online – the lessons one can take from all of this are worthy of taking note of.
I know they are all easier said than done, but they are things you can do if you put your heart into it, especially forgiving those who do you wrong or hurt your feelings
Hold no grudges , love them, be kind, remain faithful, and keep praying – love them all, and they are exactly what we need!
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Hi Harleena
Trust that your day has been great thus far. 🙂
I understand your initial take as mentioned, you are not Christian and do not know much about the Bible and Joseph. I am certain however that by what you have learned in school or online, you can identify and/or associate the tests and trials experience with that of Joseph. 🙂 By that I mean, people are not always going to do or say the right things to us. Our feelings get hurt and it is an experience such as that, would make one to feel as though they have been thrown into a ‘pit.’
You made some great points to hold no grudges, love and be kind, faithful and pray. That in the end makes life easier and better for all of us.
Thanks and have a wonderful day and a great week ahead.