Many people recognize Joseph from the Old Testament as the young man with the multicolored coat. However, the story of Joseph goes far beyond the symbol of his coat. Joseph's journey is one of incredible endurance and trust in God. He was given dreams by God that foretold his rise to leadership and influence, preparing him for a life of favor, abundance, and blessing. But the road to fulfill those dreams was filled with hardship, betrayal, and suffering.
Joseph’s challenges began when his brothers, out of jealousy, sold him into slavery. As a slave in a foreign land, Joseph remained faithful to God, which earned him favor in the household of his master, Potiphar. Yet even when things seemed to be improving, Joseph faced a false accusation that led to imprisonment. Despite being thrown into prison, Joseph continued to honor God. Eventually, through divine providence, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, which led to his rise as second-in-command over all of Egypt. Joseph's endurance, faithfulness, and unwavering trust in God's promises ultimately led to the fulfillment of the dreams God had given him (Genesis 37-50).
Joseph's life is a powerful example of how enduring through trials, while keeping faith in God, opens the door for His blessings. Despite betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph never wavered in his trust in God's plan. And just as God was faithful to Joseph, He will be faithful to those who honor and trust Him, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Swimming Upstream Against the World
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. Like Joseph, all believers face temptations, trials, and hardships. Romans 12:2 provides us with an important principle for living victoriously: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Conforming to the patterns of the world is the easy path, like floating downstream with the current. But God calls His people to swim against that current, to live a life that resists the ways of the world.
Swimming upstream is challenging. As you swim against the current of the world’s values, you will face opposition and obstacles. This is because you are engaged in a spiritual battle. The enemy, Satan, seeks to prevent you from living in God’s blessings and will oppose your progress at every turn. Jesus made it clear that the enemy comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). If you find the enemy leaving you alone, it might be a sign that you're not moving in the direction God desires.
The Reality of Suffering
Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, but it is not a popular topic. When we come face to face with trials, we often struggle to understand why they are happening. Yet suffering is a reality because we live in a fallen world where the enemy seeks to oppose God's people.
In 1 Peter 2:20-21, the apostle Peter explains, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” Jesus suffered, and as His followers, we are called to endure suffering as well. But this suffering is not without purpose. As we respond with patience, wisdom, and trust in God, we honor Him and grow closer to Him.
God calls His people to endure suffering because He knows what lies on the other side of it. Beyond the trials, there is deeper intimacy with God, stronger character, and eternal rewards. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we read, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Just like Joseph, when we trust in God and honor Him during hardships, we invite Him into our situation and allow Him to bring about His purposes.
Becoming a Doer of the Word
When trials come, a strong foundation in Christ is essential. Without a solid foundation, you are at risk of being swept away by the storms of life. Jesus is our anchor, our rock, and our deliverer. Building a strong relationship with Him takes time and effort, but it is crucial to our ability to endure hardship.
It is important to build that foundation before trials come. As the saying goes, “You can’t build a boat in the middle of a hurricane.” Similarly, you need to develop your relationship with God before the storm hits. You need to cultivate a history with Him that builds the trust and faith that will carry you through difficult seasons.
James 1:22-24 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” Simply hearing God's Word is not enough. Acting on His Word builds trust, strengthens your faith, and allows you to experience God’s faithfulness in your life. When you act on His Word, you see His promises come to life, and your relationship with Him deepens.
Joseph was able to endure his trials because he remained a “doer of the Word.” Even in slavery and prison, Joseph chose to honor God. His faith was not passive; it was active and enduring. When you find yourself in difficult situations, like Joseph in the pit, you must stand in faith and act on God’s promises. Continue to be in the Word, spend time in prayer, and speak out your faith, even when it’s hard to see the way forward.
Proverbs 10:29 tells us, “The way of the Lord is strength to the upright.” When you put your trust in God and follow His ways, He will strengthen you and refresh your spirit, even in the midst of trials. Choosing to forgive and love others during difficult times breaks the cycle of returning evil for evil, and God rewards and strengthens those who follow Him.
Guarding Against a Hardened Heart
One of the greatest dangers during times of hardship is the temptation to let your heart become hardened. Pain, disappointment, and frustration can plant seeds of anger and bitterness in your heart if you allow them to take root. Hebrews 3:15 warns, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” When we allow our hearts to harden, we distance ourselves from God and hinder His work in our lives.
Instead of allowing negative seeds to take root, we must seek God even more during difficult times. Dive deeper into His Word, learn more about His character, and listen for His voice. Ask God to search your heart for any hardness or bad seeds that may have taken root and ask Him to remove them. He is eager to heal your brokenness and restore your heart to one of flesh, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26.
With a soft heart of flesh, you are once again able to receive God’s peace and be moved by what moves Him. You can experience His healing and His grace in a way that renews your strength and gives you endurance for the journey ahead.
Persevering for the Promise
If you are facing trials and hardships that seem to wear out your faith and endurance, take heart! Hebrews 10:36 encourages us: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Endurance in the Christian walk may feel like swimming upstream, but God knows the plans He has for you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, invite Him into your situation, and listen for His voice. As you endure in faith, God will bring you through, and you will be ready to celebrate the victory He has already prepared for you. Victory is not found in avoiding trials but in enduring them with trust in Jesus, our ultimate source of strength and hope.
