Your Struggle Has A Purpose

Psalms 105:16-23 says “He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply. Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them— Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household; he became ruler over all the king’s possessions. He could instruct the king’s aides as he pleased and teach the king’s advisers. Then Israel arrived in Egypt; Jacob lived as a foreigner in the land of Ham.”

This portion of scripture describes Joseph and eventually the famine that came to the land of Canaan, Egypt, and the surrounding areas. The thing that sticks out immensely is verses 18 and 19 “They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.” Jospeh suffered. There is nothing glamorous about being in chains. There is nothing enticing about being locked up and losing your freedom. However, it was symbolic. Joseph went through a time of losing his personal freedom because later he would be used to set two nations free. In Genesis chapters 41 to 47, Joseph would later save not only Egypt from being wiped out by starvation, but Israel as well. Joseph went through trying times for a larger purpose than just personal gain. His trials fine tuned his character and established the attributes he would need to be second in command of a nation. He had to start small to become great.

There is nothing like struggles or trials that really let us know what we’re made of. We can spend years putting scriptures in, but when we face difficulties, that’s when we see what comes out. Is it lip service or truly the way I aim to live? Trials and difficulties show if I’m just a ‘name tag’ Christian or something more. I put it on when I have to and take it off right after. I put it on when it’s convenient. I put it on to impress, but take it off as soon as it gets uncomfortable. Or am I deeply rooted in my faith? Like a deeply rooted tree, the flowers may not always be blooming. The leaves may seem to loose their luster from time to time, but when you get below the surface, the foundational roots are planted and firm.

Additionally, when we are going through a storm we can still be at rest and walking in peace. My current storm has been raging for 2 years. Where I was 2 years ago or even a year ago, doesn't look like where I am now. I had to move past the “why me” phase. I moved past the “what did I do to deserve this” phase, and moved into the “What do You want to teach me Lord and how can my testimony help others?” One attitude is filled with inner conflict and the other is a state of calm. As I moved towards the later I found I possessed peace in the midst of my storm.

Matthew 14 is the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. What we sometimes forget is that that took place in the midst of a storm. The waves and winds were crashing into the boat. There was chaos and the disciples were filled with fear. Yet in the midst of that, Jesus walked towards the disciples on water, in peace. Peter also walked on the water in peace, until he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on the storm. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus we can walk in peace in the midst of adversity, struggle, strife, troubles, crashing waves and howling winds, because Jesus is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

Hard times will come. Jesus warned us of this. 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.” Not every trial that comes is God designed, but no matter who is the originator, we can walk through them all in peace. Not every trial is God designed, but God can turn it around for good. (Romans 8:28) When we walk through tests, we can recognize that God always has a bigger plan than just us. Maybe it’s a testimony for our kids, family, neighbors, or coworkers they need to hear. Maybe God wants to place us in a high position in a company, but we need to go through things that get us ready for that responsibility. Maybe it is simply that our struggle leads someone else through there’s. Whatever the reason is, God has a plan. He never does things just to do them. God is not bored, so He stirs ups drama in our lives for entertainment. He always has an agenda. And because God is good, that agenda is always good. (Psalm 136:1, Psalm 119:68)

When Jospeh finally reveals himself to his brothers who sold him into slavery, you see a man that has learned from his trials. You see a man that is deeply rooted. You see a man that has accepted that life isn’t all about himself and let God use him for a greater purpose. In Genesis 50:20 Joseph says to them “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” After all Joseph went through, the betrayal by his family, being falsely accused, imprisoned for years, and helping someone then being forgotten in prison, his take away was profound. God had a plan greater than himself! You may be in the midst of a storm, but be encouraged that God has a plan and it’s greater than just you. God has a greater plan and He loves you enough to want to use you to make it happen. You’re not a spectator. If you’re in a storm it is a front row seat to see and experience the goodness of God and then share it.