HELP!: A 10-Day Devotional by Brandon LakeSample

A running theme we see throughout Scripture is the idea that human suffering is intimately intertwined with fulfilling a person’s purpose. While life holds many mountaintop moments, there are also deep valleys—and God does not promise that things will be easy. However, He does promise to take whatever the enemy meant for bad and to use it for good.

We see this in the example of Joseph, whose own brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph had been a highly favored son of his father, Jacob, and had dreamt that he would rule over his brothers one day. He told his brothers about this dream, and his brothers hated him for it, so they decided to get rid of him. Yet, despite the enemy’s plan to demote Joseph, God was able to use the situation for good and promote him into his purpose. Through faithful serving amidst his slavery, Joseph soon became the right-hand man of Pharaoh—who ultimately placed him in the leadership position that his brothers tried to prevent. When his brothers found themselves in Egypt after a famine had extended throughout the land, Joseph revealed himself to them as they came to collect food from the storehouses he had so wisely created. They were “terrified at his presence” (Genesis 45:3), yet Joseph extended a hand of forgiveness. Years later, Jacob died, and Joseph’s brothers again feared his wrath— but Joseph reassured them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Because Joseph held the second most powerful position in Egypt, he was able to save the lives of those he loved in Israel. Like Joseph, we never know what bends may emerge in the road. We know we are guaranteed suffering at some point, yet we also know that we serve a God who turns our sorrows into dancing. He turns our pain into joy. Our tears are turned to laughter. And all our fears turn to a roar. So, we can praise the Lord

Whatever you may be going through right now, know that your trials will one day become your testimony. Know that God hears you, He sees you, and He’s working through you. He can take anything from the enemy and turn it for your good—promoting you into purpose.