God Knows Best

“I heard he was in prison the last years,” he grunted, adjusting his tunic.

“I understand he was inappropriate towards his boss’ wife,” shared another high-ranking official.

“So how did he manage to garner Pharaoh’s favor?” queried another.

They all looked around questioningly. This foreigner, this man no one knew, had somehow secured the second highest spot in the land.

How?

How indeed! It wasn’t his doing. Lord knew no one in Egypt in his right mind would want Joseph, the man with such a bad reputation in such a high position. He did not have political connections. He did not have any favor. Even those he had helped could not remember him.

Or?

Could he have the highest connection?

Could he have somehow won the highest favor?

Was he more memorable than originally thought?

While the world worried away the minutes of yet another day, another year, God was refining this foreigner who no one gave a second thought.

While the political players were plotting and scheming, Joseph himself was praying and serving.

God was using Joseph’s time in prison, in a foreign country, in trials of every sort to shape and mold a man who could save a nation by obeying a God whom he knew loved him and would never leave him alone.

The world saw a man of questionable character. A man not to be trusted. A man of unknown origins. A man terribly different from them.

God saw a man who had learned how to trust and obey. Even when life turned nasty. Even when he should have lost all hope.

I wonder what went through Joseph’s mind as he was carried away by slave traders. I wonder what was running through his thoughts as he enduring his days in prison. I wonder how his heart responded when he was falsely accused for something he didn’t do.

I do know he humbled himself and accepted whatever God had for him.  And he trusted God.

God did not let him down.

I don’t know what you fear today. Maybe you are concerned who will lead in your life. Maybe you are concerned for your nation.

Maybe you fear who might come to a powerful position.

I bet the people of Egypt had quite a lot of fear when Joseph stepped into his role. Yet, had they known what God knew, they would not have been afraid.

Like Joseph, we need to trust God. We need to obey God. And then we need to let God be God.

We need to follow the advice of the psalmist, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Because, when it’s all said and done, God does know best.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, When facing uncertain times, uncertain circumstances in our lives, we often overlook the fact that You know all. We might face many unknowns, but we can learn to do so gracefully as we recall Your knowledge and Your love and Your plans for each of us. Thank You that You will never leave us stranded! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*You can read the full account of Joseph’s story in Genesis 37, 39-47.