Joseph: Finding Purpose in Feast or FamineSýnishorn

Blessing Amid the Betrayal

That moment of realization, when someone you’ve trusted—even loved—has betrayed you, is unlike any other feeling in human experience. Devastation doesn’t begin to describe it. The best description I can muster for my own betrayals felt as if the offender shot me—the bullet piercing with a shocking, small hole, then exploding inside with unimaginable pain. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of questions chased that pain from heart to head and back again, a never-ending circle of confusion. Denial began the grieving process, but anger quickly followed, and I didn’t care what steps of grief came next!

But God . . .

Those two words have saved me more times than I can count. But God . . . And I remind myself what I know to be true of the One who never betrays. But God . . . And I bury myself in the Psalms to remind myself it’s okay to pour out my anger, my fear, my hopelessness—as long as I don’t get stuck there. But God . . . And I remember Joseph, the many betrayals he endured, yet he received God’s favor along with the hardship. I wholeheartedly believe Joseph had bad days. I believe he was angry when Potiphar, the master who had been showered with blessings because of Joseph’s faithful service, threw him in prison on false charges. Had Potiphar believed his wife, he would have executed Joseph or maimed him (as Egyptian law required). He did neither, proving Potiphar believed Joseph was innocent but was too cowardly to contradict his wife who had slyly made her accusations known to their whole household.

Joseph could have held onto his bitterness, but the Lord did three things to soothe the painful explosion inside: 1) God was with Joseph; 2) God showed Joseph steadfast love; and 3) God gave Joseph favor with the prison warden. Joseph could have chosen to ignore God’s presence, His love, and the warden’s favor. However, had Joseph not been gracious during his imprisonment, he would never have been raised to the position of assistant warden—and would likely have missed the opportunity to interpret the baker and cupbearer’s dreams.

God’s blessings sometimes come with thorns. When we receive His undeserved favor amid hardship, extending that grace to others, He often reveals another facet of His purpose for us. Others may even sense our purpose and become eager to help us find ways to place us in useful positions. Making Joseph his assistant made the warden’s workload lighter, but Joseph didn’t seem to begrudge the other man’s blessing with his own. When we let go of bitterness and injustice, we can swallow the great gulps of grace God gives us, making it easier to rejoice when others partake of the overflow.

Have you suffered an injustice that feels like an explosion inside you? Are you still battling feelings of bitterness or injustice? Spend some time meditating on God’s presence with you, His steadfast love for you, and the favor He’s already shown in your life. End with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for your many blessings.