3/6 Through the Bible in Devotions

Genesis 37 Trials and Tribulations

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. (v.28)

God’s plan is, many times, beyond our comprehension. Because God is omniscient, He plans for things far in advance Yea, and even brings them to pass in His own time. So it was with Joseph. Trials in our lives, and abuse by others, are often “tools’ of God to fulfill His pre-determined purposes in us. Though Joseph did not know what was happening, God had it all under control, and already knew what He was preparing to do. He has our life all planned out also, and we don’t always know the end of our trials and tribulations.

It seems obvious that Jacob sent Joseph to “spy” on his brothers, as if Jacob already suspected what they were doing, or, rather, not doing! This was probably not the first time that they took off and went to town, leaving the sheep with the servants, (vs. 13,14). God works all things together for good in our lives (Rom. 8: 28). The trials and afflictions we endure are often just ingredients to something bigger that must come together to complete us. If one were to bake a cake, and leave out one of the ingredients, it would be a mess when it came out. If we were to taste a cup of flour, it would be repulsive to us; if we were to eat a raw egg, many of us would reject it in a big way, but these are necessary ingredients, and essential to the delicious cake that is the finished product. You see, that trial in your life might just be the pinch of salt that makes the cake good. It may be the essential part in the recipe of your life. If we could get hold of this truth, it would change our entire outlook on the “storms of life” that come our way. God knows what He is doing, trust Him, He has everything under control. The situation you now face will go no further than the Lord allows it to go, and if He allows it, be assured that you need it; it is never “out of control” with Him. Trust in the Lord and His ability to see you through, after all, what else can you do?