Prospering in Suffering: Lessons From Joseph's LifeSample

How to Prosper While Suffering: Bloom Where You Are Planted

Joseph bloomed despite being planted as a slave and a prisoner. Honestly, he didn't have to. Betrayal by family and being sold into slavery justifies feeling angry, depressed, and crying all day. But that is not the route Joseph chose. Joseph opted to be his best self with God's help. His motivations for living this way are not explained in the Bible. Perhaps he held onto the dreams he had of becoming someone great. Regardless, his decision was crucial to experiencing God's goodness and presence during his tribulation.

Joseph bloomed where he was planted in the following ways:

1. He was righteous, no matter what. Joseph chose not to sin while suffering. Joseph could have become a kept man if he had yielded to Potiphar's wife’s seductions. She may have even helped Joseph gain his freedom. These thoughts may or may not have popped into Joseph’s head. Nevertheless, Joseph chose righteousness over temporary or permanent relief from his suffering that he could have gained by sinning. Although Joseph faced more suffering for doing the right thing, God remained by his side and ultimately raised him to a position of honor and glory that could never have been achieved by one night of indiscretion.
2. He was excellent, no matter what. He chose to do his work to the best of his ability. God rewarded his attitude with success and prosperity. He gained the trust of his masters by being excellent and favored by God, which led to them giving him complete control without checking up on him. Similarly, Pharaoh recognized his excellence and made Joseph second-in-command and ruler of everything and everyone in Egypt.
3. He was caring, no matter what. Despite being in prison and suffering, Joseph comforted Pharaoh's butler and baker when he noticed their sadness. He asked about their distress, took time to listen to their dreams, and provided them with God’s interpretations. Joseph's kindness to the butler in prison led to him being recommended to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. God used Joseph’s compassion to set up his eventual deliverance.

Joseph's greatness was achieved because he chose to bloom instead of wallow. When faced with suffering, many of us choose to dwell in our distress; sometimes, it's understandable to select this option. In times of great pain, allowing ourselves to cry until we have no more tears left is important. But God reminds us in His Word that while there is a time to weep and mourn, there is also time to plant and build up. Follow God's guidance to be your best self - righteous, excellent, and caring - even when suffering. Ask for God's strength and grace to do His will. God will bring deliverance and victory from suffering through your obedience.