Devotion Journal

Fruitful in the Land of Affliction

“Now therefore, it was not you who sent me here but God…” Genesis 45:8

When bad things happen in our lives it can be difficult to wrap our hands around the fact that God is with us.  That is why I enjoy the story of Joseph.  In that story there is a beautiful illustration and picture of the greatness of our God. Joseph had plenty of opportunity to complain and question God.

Joseph was a young man with hopes and dreams.  He truly did have dreams from the Lord which resulted in jealousy with his other brothers.  Eventually, his brothers threw him in a pit and then sold him into slavery.  Joseph was not feeling and experiencing peace when this happened.  Later, in the story we get an illustration of what he went through told by one of his brothers, “…because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen…”

While in Egypt, Joseph didn’t instantly rise to the first in command under Pharaoh.  Joseph was a servant and eventually accused of rape and thrown in prison where he would spend a few years of his life.  Then the day came for him to interpret the dream of Pharaoh which led to him being number one in Egypt under Pharaoh.  A wife was given to Joseph and he had two children which he named Manasseh and Ephraim.  Those names have much meaning.  Manasseh means, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”  Ephraim means, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Yes, Joseph was a man of troubles and affliction yet he knew the Lord was with him and blessed him.

Finally, when Joseph met his brothers again, he explained to them it was God himself who sent him to Egypt.  He was able to see beyond the troubles and affliction and recognize the Lord in it all.  In all his affliction and troubles Joseph was always faithful to God and others.  In prison or out of prison, in affliction or out of affliction he served the Lord with all his might. 

There are many today who can’t get beyond the troubles they currently face.  That is all they see.  What do you see?  Perhaps your affliction and troubles are not just chaos ruling and destroying your life but a path leading you exactly to that place the Lord has for you.