The Daily Devotional
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Preserved by God’s Purpose: Trusting Him in Times of Trouble
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. (Genesis 45:4-7)
Introduction
Why does a good God allow bad things to happen? This is not just a theoretical question; it cuts to the heart of our deepest sufferings, anxieties, and fears. We see tragedies in the news every day—natural disasters, acts of violence, and devastating illnesses. Perhaps more acutely, we experience personal trials in our own families, workplaces, or our health that leave us in tears. When we endure hardship and can’t see a good reason for our pain, it becomes tempting to wonder: If God is truly loving, if He is truly all-powerful, how can these things happen?
This question has echoed down through the ages, commonly referred to by theologians as “the problem of evil.” And while our intellect and hearts yearn for a neat, tidy explanation, Scripture does not always give us the direct, scientific “why” in the sense of a quick answer. Instead, it invites us on a journey to know more deeply who God is, how He works, and the shape of His redemptive plan. One of the most compelling biblical narratives that address this mystery is the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.
Joseph’s life was defined by shocking betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment. If ever there was a person who had reason to shake his fist at heaven, it would be Joseph. But the wonder of his story, revealed in Genesis 45:4-7, is that Joseph’s trauma and sorrow were not the final word. God ultimately used what was intended for evil to bring about incredible good—for Joseph, for his family, and for all future generations of Israel.
In this sermon, as we ponder Joseph’s words to his brothers, we will reflect on why God allows suffering, how God redeems evil for good, and what we, as followers of Jesus Christ, can do when we find ourselves in our own dark valleys.
Reflection
Joseph was only seventeen when his jealous brothers sold him as a slave to traveling merchants. Imagine the trauma, the wrenching fear, and the sense of betrayal he must have felt. Torn from his father’s love, stripped of his coat of many colors, cast off as if his life held no value. What followed was a series of misfortunes so bleak that if Joseph’s life were a modern-day movie, we would be straining to see how the hero could possibly end up with a happy ending.
He is taken down to Egypt, forced to serve in Potiphar’s house. Joseph earns favor only to be falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. As a result, he’s thrown into prison. There, Joseph seemingly languishes indefinitely, forgotten by those he helped, lost in a foreign land. Over and over, the question might arise: Where is God in all this?
Yet, the story does not stop there. By God’s wisdom and grace, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and is exalted to a position of high authority. He oversees a massive food-saving program in anticipation of a deadly famine. Eventually, his own family—the very brothers who sold him—come seeking grain. This leads us to our focal passage, where Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers. Instead of anger, retribution, or a thirst for vengeance, we see Joseph explaining God’s larger plan: “God sent me before you to preserve life … God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth.”
The tension in Joseph’s heart must have been enormous. This is the same band of brothers who ripped away his freedom, ended his childhood innocence, and left him with wounds that likely remained with him for years. But Joseph's answer is rooted in trust and the recognition that God’s redemptive grace is bigger than his brothers’ evil. Joseph refuses to let the darkness overshadow the light of divine purpose. And so he can say, in effect, “Yes, you did evil. You sold me. You wounded me. But God had a purpose that goes beyond all of that.”
We see a powerful parallel to Joseph’s story in a simple illustration from everyday life—consider a clay pot that breaks. Perhaps you have a beautiful, carefully crafted piece of pottery that accidentally slips out of your hands. The shards scatter all around, and you stare in dismay at what seems like an irreparable mess. But there is an art form known as “kintsugi,” a Japanese practice that transforms broken pottery into precious pieces by rejoining the shards with lacquer mixed with gold. Instead of hiding the cracks, the new creation highlights them, illustrating that even in brokenness, value and beauty can be restored—often in a way that is more striking and meaningful than the original.
Joseph’s life could be seen as a kintsugi masterpiece in the hands of God. Every shattered piece of his life—the betrayal, the slavery, the prison—God ultimately wove back together into a story of salvation for an entire nation.
Why Does God Allow Bad Things? A Deeper Exploration
We still wrestle with the question, though: Why does God allow evil and suffering in the first place? It is important to note that Joseph never directly answers that question in the sense of “God caused my suffering for this reason.” Instead, he articulates that while people may do evil things, God redeems and restores. God is in the business of bringing good out of the brokenness of this world.
1. Free Will and the Reality of Sin: Scripture teaches that humanity’s rebellion against God (Genesis 3) opened the door to sin, disease, natural disasters, and broken relationships. Evil is not God’s desire for us but a tragic result of our willful estrangement from Him. Joseph’s brothers exercised their free will in a malicious way. They became living examples of how envy and hatred lead to destructive actions.
2. A Broken World Yearning for Redemption: The world we live in is broken. We can see it as a creation groaning and waiting for renewal (Romans 8:22). Joseph’s story unfolds in this fallen world, yet God’s presence remains. God never abandoned Joseph—His hand was quietly at work, even in the darkest chapters of Joseph’s life.
3. God’s Overarching Sovereignty: God’s sovereignty means that nothing—no human action, no event in nature—can ultimately thwart His redemptive plan. Joseph’s rise to power, especially in a foreign land, at a time of global crisis, highlights how God directs the events of history to fulfill His promises.
4. The Cross as the Ultimate Example: The greatest demonstration of God’s purpose in the midst of evil is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The cross was the darkest moment in human history—the innocent Son of God condemned and killed. Yet, out of that horrific event came salvation for the whole world. In the same way, Joseph’s suffering brought about salvation for his family and future generations.
Application: What Does This Mean for Us Today?
1. Trust in God’s Character: Like Joseph, we may experience betrayal, injustice, or deep personal pain. In the midst of it, we wonder whether God is ignoring our cries. The first step is to trust that God remains who He has always revealed Himself to be: gracious, merciful, and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6). Even when we can’t see the bigger picture, we cling to the knowledge that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
2. Let God Use Your Story: Joseph did not waste his suffering. Everywhere he went, he allowed his character, talents, and faith to shine—whether in Potiphar’s house or in prison. When we face trials, we can similarly allow God to use our stories and our gifts to serve others. It may happen at a hospital bedside where we offer prayers, in a support group for grief or addiction, or in an unexpected conversation at work. We can become conduits of divine grace, even in the midst of tragedy.
3. Offer Forgiveness and Seek Reconciliation: One of the most striking aspects of Joseph’s story is his willingness to forgive. When we choose to forgive those who have wronged us, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who forgave His enemies on the cross. Forgiveness does not downplay the pain or excuse the wrongdoing. But it does open a door for healing. And in some cases, like Joseph’s reunion with his brothers, forgiveness leads to reconciliation. We may not always achieve that on this side of heaven, but we take our cues from Joseph’s example.
4. Live with Hope in God’s Ultimate Redemption: Our sufferings, whether large or small, can point us toward a future where God promises to wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). Joseph’s deliverance from prison to the palace is a faint foreshadowing of Christ’s resurrection—the reminder that ultimately life triumphs over death, hope triumphs over despair, and goodness triumphs over evil. Our call is to remain steadfast in hope, trusting that God will ultimately right every wrong.
Sermon Illustration: A Diamond in the Rough
Imagine a rough diamond. In its natural state, it might look quite unremarkable—a rock with no particular beauty or worth to the untrained eye. Yet when a skilled jeweler takes that rough diamond and cuts away the impurities, polishes the surfaces, and shapes it with precision, the hidden brilliance emerges. Under the pressure of chiseling and grinding, that diamond is transformed into a gemstone that refracts light in dazzling patterns.
In a similar way, suffering can sometimes be that refining tool God uses to shape our faith and character. This does not mean God wants evil, but it does mean He refuses to let our pain be meaningless. The pressure you feel in times of grief, the polishing that comes through personal struggle, can bring forth virtues like compassion, empathy, and resilience that shine the light of Christ to the world around you.
Joseph was shaped into a leader through adversity. He learned humility, wisdom, and reliance on God. And when the time came, he served as the means by which God saved countless lives. When we face our own painful situations, though it is never easy, we have an invitation to lean into God’s grace and allow Him to refine and shape us into something that reflects His glory more radiantly.
Conclusion
We began with the question: “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” Scripture does not often give us a one-size-fits-all explanation. What it does give us is a portrait of God’s unwavering mercy, boundless love, and sovereign power. In Joseph’s story, we see a young man cast down into unimaginable suffering—yet God raised him up and used his tribulations for good. Joseph’s personal healing and the preservation of his entire family demonstrate that God never abandons His own, even when they walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
This biblical truth finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ. The cross is the most scandalous example of apparent defeat and evil. Yet through that very cross, God purchased redemption for humanity. Through the resurrection, death itself was conquered. Joseph’s words—“God sent me before you to preserve life”—foreshadow Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which has preserved eternal life for all who trust in Him.
You may be in the middle of your own trial today. The “why” may remain hidden for now, and that can be excruciatingly hard. But look to the story of Joseph, and beyond Joseph to Jesus, to see that God is both able and willing to redeem your pain. He is the master potter who can mend the broken shards of your life with the gold of His grace. He is the jeweler who can refine your rough edges so that you shine with His light. And He is the God of hope, who will never let darkness have the final say.
We walk forward in trust, acknowledging that while evil persists, it is not the final word. God sees our tears, holds us in our pain, and, in ways sometimes hidden to our eyes, works to bring about a good end. One day, that end will be fully revealed when Jesus returns, and every tear is wiped away. Until then, we cling to Him, praising Him not just for an answer to the problem of evil, but for His presence, comfort, and redemptive power at work right now.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts that sometimes struggle to understand why suffering and pain are allowed in this world. We see tragedy in our midst, and we experience hardships that test our faith. Yet we also see Joseph’s story—and more importantly, we see Your Son, Jesus. We see that You are the God who redeems and restores, the One who brings good out of evil, and the One who turns what seems like utter defeat into glorious victory.
Lord, for those of us who are enduring trials today—financial burdens, illness, heartbreak, or strained relationships—strengthen our trust in You. Help us to remember that You hold our stories in Your hands. Give us hearts that cling to Your promises and minds that dwell on Your faithfulness.
Let us be vessels of Your compassion. Use us, even in our brokenness, to bring hope and help to those around us. Teach us to forgive, as Joseph forgave his brothers, and as Christ forgave us on the cross. Let our lives be reflections of the redemption You offer, living testaments to Your power to transform even the darkest circumstances into something beautiful.
Grant us patience and endurance as we await the day when all things will be made new, when tears will be wiped away, and suffering will be no more. Until that day, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. It is in His mighty name we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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