South Africa’s electrical grid has long been stretched, but when a coal silo at a power station collapsed, it led to months of widespread blackouts across the country. The power outages were initially frustrating, but citizens quickly adapted to the daily 2-hour blackouts and worked around those times. Generators were employed, people bought fewer perishable foods, and they were careful to make sure the washing-machine cycle would finish before the electricity went off for the day.
God has created us with an incredible ability to adapt to our ever-changing circumstances. Joseph had many painful experiences which helped him adapt to his leadership position in Egypt (Genesis 37:18–41:40). In his youthful arrogance, he boasted to his family about the seemingly outrageous dreams about his future that God gave him (Genesis 37:5-10). His brothers became so consumed with jealousy that they sold him into slavery and told their father he had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:18-33).
Joseph was sold to Potiphar, a captain of the palace guard for Pharaoh, king of Egypt (Genesis 37:36). Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to rape her, and he was thrown into prison (Genesis 39:10-20), but the Lord was with him and gave him favor with the prison warden (Genesis 39:21). When God helped Joseph interpret the strange dreams of Pharaoh, he was released from prison and became governor of Egypt (Genesis 41:8-36).
When we shift our focus and choose to see God at work in all things, we experience His peace and presence. Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (Genesis 50:20). God walks with us through difficult times and can use them to bless us and others.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 2:1-13
More:
Read John 16:33 and consider what Jesus said about experiencing His presence even in the hard times of life.
Next:
What difficult circumstances are frustrating for you at the moment? Ask God to give you His perspective and seek the good He can bring through each challenge.
Gary Shultz on October 7, 2015 at 6:34 am
Truly the ability to adapt is a wonderful trait, when in comes in the form of a Godly perspective it brings contentment and hope. Joseph was a champ at that, which allowed God the ability to use him where he was planted. Along with that Joseph has been an enduring example of forgiveness, probably a primary ingredient in being able to successful with hard things. Thanks
Ruth O'reilly-smith on October 7, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Hi Gary, I was reminded again today that life in Christ is not so much about expecting to live a ‘trouble-free’ life, as it is about knowing the presence of Jesus with us in those troubles and learning and growing through them. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Mike Wittmer on October 7, 2015 at 7:41 am
Thank you for this reminder of our resilience. I endure better through hard times when I remember I belong in God’s story rather than my own, and I know how His story ends!
jim spillane on October 7, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Well said Mike. The hard times in our lives,if we look deep enough, are often for our own good. There is something important to be gained from them. Pray that our Almighty God will give us the understanding necessary to realize this and open our eyes to His truth.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on October 7, 2015 at 2:47 pm
We desperately need God’s wisdom and perspective on every situation in life Jim. It’s not the easiest word to receive when we’re going through a time of testing but, it’s a truth that’s proven itself time and again when we look back and see the faithful and consistent goodness of the Lord. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” Romans 8:28
Ruth O'reilly-smith on October 7, 2015 at 2:39 pm
I was recently telling our young daughter that God saw all the days she would live, while she was still in my womb. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16). God’s ‘whole-picture’ perspective helps us live at peace, content that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways’ (Isaiah 55:8).
Tom Felten on October 7, 2015 at 9:41 am
Such good, biblical perspective, Ruth! The following questions are so important to ask when we’re facing challenges and adversity: “God, what are you doing through this?” and “God, what do you want me to do?” When I seek Him in prayer and ask those questions while facing trials it makes all the difference. When I don’t and fall into self-pity or try to prop up the situation with my limited knowledge and strength, it becomes unbearable. Praise God for His power and presence!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on October 7, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Pausing and asking probing questions of ourselves in relation to God’s heart towards us and His plan for us, will save us a lot of heartache and will help us grasp His passionate love for us. Those are great questions Tom – I need to remember them when I’m going through a challenging time 🙂