Lessons from Joseph

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” – Genesis 50:20

Joseph’s life did not follow a smooth path. He had a dream from God as a teenager, a vision of influence and purpose. But the road that followed was anything but glamorous. He was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. For over a decade, it seemed like nothing in his life matched the promise God had given him.

But through it all, Joseph never lost his faith. He didn’t let bitterness take root. He worked with excellence no matter where he was placed. Whether he was managing a house as a slave or overseeing prisoners as a prisoner himself, he gave his best. And eventually, when God opened the door and raised him to second in command over all of Egypt, Joseph didn’t seek revenge. He forgave. He provided for his family. He saw that everything he went through had a purpose.

Genesis 50:20 captures that perspective. Joseph looked his brothers in the eye, the very ones who betrayed him, and said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” That kind of perspective doesn’t come easily. It comes from trusting God even when the story doesn’t make sense. It comes from believing that delay isn’t denial and that detours don’t cancel destiny.

Joseph’s life teaches you that where you are right now is not the end of your story. Even if you feel forgotten. Even if others have done you wrong. Even if it looks like your circumstances are only getting worse. If you stay faithful, if you keep your heart soft and your hands diligent, God can still fulfill every promise He made.

Don’t let your current pit make you forget the promise. Don’t let the prison convince you there’s no palace. Your faithfulness now is preparation for what God is building next. If Joseph could trust God in the darkness and see Him redeem every moment for good, so can you. The same God who was with Joseph is with you. And His plan is still in motion.