Joseph: Steadfastness in Adversity

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Genesis 45:7

And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

NKJV

As we look at the life of Joseph as recorded in the Bible, we see a picture of a man remaining steadfast when facing adversity (Genesis37, Genesis 39-50).  Most of us, including myself, would probably have panicked or felt God had forgotten us if we would have been called to endure everything Joseph went through.  However, as Genesis 45:7 tells us, God had a purpose in everything that happened to Joseph, the deliverance, and protection of His people. 

Despite what we hear from many government officials, many in our nation continue to suffer adversity. 

1)      A continually declining labor participation rate means fewer workers and more people out of work and unable to find work having to survive on some sort of government subsistence.  (1)

2)      National Security concerns as government is more interested in using acts of terrorism to advance an antigun agenda instead of addressing the real problem, radical Islamic terrorism.  (2)

Joseph’s steadfastness in his trust in God provides a great example of how we must remain steadfast during this time of adversity for us as a nation and for many of us as individuals.  Those of you reading this that are currently experiencing adversity are probably saying, “That’s easy for you to say.”  Scripture, however, does provide hope, encouragement, and wisdom for those suffering for,

1)      God has a plan for those of us that believe in Him and His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).  When in the battle, we may not see God’s plans as good, but we must learn to hang on as Joseph did, trusting God to turn our lemons into lemonade. 

2)      God promises to provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19).  God loves his people and promises not to have them begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).  God is not bound by labor participation rates or economies but since we live in worldly economies, it is easy for us to take our eyes off God and his promises of provision for us and begin looking at the situation.  However, in scripture we never see Joseph losing heart and God rewards him for his steadfastness, using Joseph to bring deliverance to His people. 

3)      God promises that all things that happen in life will work for good to those that love God (Romans 8:28).  The current adversity we may be suffering has a purpose.  In the life of Joseph, this purpose was to place him in a position where God could use him to save his family from starvation.  However, as with Joseph, when in the middle of adversity we do not see how this can work for our good.  That is where we must exercise faith in God and trust his Word.  In addition, remember, it only takes a small amount of faith to move a mountain of adversity (Matthew 17:20). 

Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble but also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  God is also not surprised by the adversity and will be with us, insuring the promises in His Word are fulfilled.  Therefore, when in adversity, do not lose heart but think of Joseph, one who remained steadfast in adversity and left a legacy of someone used by God to bring deliverance to Israel. 

1. Gandel, Stephen. America's Biggest Job Market Problem is Uniquely American. fortune.com. [Online] Fortune, July 2, 2015. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] fortune.com/2015/07/02/us-labor-force-participation-drops/.

2. Fischer, Bryan. The Problem is not Guns, It's Islam. afa.net. [Online] AFA, December 3, 2015. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] https://afa.net/the-stand/news/2015/12/the-problem-is-not-guns-its-islam/.