GOD IS IN CONTROL AND WE CAN TRUST HIM

Jealousy surely played a part in the feelings that Joseph’s brothers had for him. It’s clear that Jacob loved Joseph more than his other brothers which would result in their feelings. In addition, Joseph had also given a bad report to his father about his brothers and their taking care of Jacob’s flocks. Add to it the dreams that Joseph revealed to his brothers which they probably saw as arrogance, and it seems that they would stop at nothing to harm him.

Thrown in a dried up cistern, sold to merchants, sold to an Egyptian official, thrown in jail for being accused of something he didn’t do, and forgotten by someone he had helped in jail – what more could have happened to Joseph that could have caused him to question whether God really loved him or not.  Although not a part of today's reading, it clearly brings to mind the verse in Romans, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose".  After all the circumstances Joseph found himself in, he realized that it was God who allowed these things to happen to him.

The fact that we are Christians doesn’t insulate us from unpleasant circumstances in our lives. Somehow though, we must realize that God is in control and trust Him.