As much as we'd like to claim justice here on earth, Scripture doesn't promise it (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
Unjust circumstances can sometimes lead to our greatest growth and ministry. Joseph is an example:
- Mistreated by family—his jealous brothers ignored his cries for mercy (Genesis 42:21).
- Mistreated by his captors—chained, enslaved, lonely (Psalm 105:17-18).
- Put in prison for doing the right thing—the vengeful lie of Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39).
Have you been hurt by someone close to you?
Have you been abused, cheated, or mistreated?
Have you been slandered for doing the right thing?
Joseph probably had deep emotional and physical scars (Genesis 43:30), but he was an overcomer.
He prospered in prison:
1. He believed God had a plan (Genesis 50:20).
2. He believed God could use the sins of others for his good (Genesis 50:20).
3. He always did his best because he knew God would bless his efforts (Genesis 39:2-6, 20-23, 41:41-44).
Today's culture and many modern counselors encourage us to build our lives around victimhood. They assure us that we're deeply handicapped by people who didn't treat us perfectly. There's a great example of someone in Scripture who bought this lie. His name is Cain (Genesis 4:1-13).
Our culture will encourage us to be like Cain, but let's choose victory over victimhood and choose to be like Joseph instead.
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To read about Cain's attitude, see Cain: The Ultimate Pouter. And don't miss the insights in today's Bite Size Bible study HERE.
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it an encouraging word
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