In Tragedies And Triumphs

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Genesis 50:20

One of the greatest assets Joseph had was his sensitivity to every situation. In both his triumphs and tragedies, Joseph was able to see through his circumstances and see God at work behind the scenes.

Joseph always seems to be conscious of God in his life. He refused the invitation of Potiphar’s wife because he recognized that it would be “a sin against God” (Genesis 39:9). He refused to exalt himself when interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, instead insisting that “God will give Pharaoh an answer” (41:16). Now he refuses to take vengeance upon his brothers for selling him as a slave, since he now knows the Lord had it in mind all along. Joseph made God part of every aspect of his life.

If we can come to a place in our spiritual walk where we can see God at work in both our triumphs and tragedies, we’ll find new peace in our souls. We don’t always understand or particularly like what God arranges, but we understand the fact that He is in charge, and we bow to His sovereignty. That’s called living with an eternal perspective, and it’s exactly what Joseph does. He has confidence that God is at work on His master plan, regardless of how the immediate circumstances appear.