He found himself in prison due to unfair accusations. He had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had acted with great moral character. But there he was, jailed, with no hope of release. Joseph would spend more than two years in that Egyptian prison. It seemed as if he was forgotten by everyone and especially by God.
I wonder if he ever got angry with God. Did he, like David, ask, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1)
I think that all believers go through times of trial and testing that leave us wondering where God is hiding. We know that God isn’t actually hiding – rather, it just feels like he is. We can’t seem to catch a break or get out of a difficult situation. We lose that sense of God’s presence.
But God was at work in Joseph’s situation. God had a plan and he was working it out. I’m convinced that he does that for all of us. Daily struggles, long term illness, difficult family dynamics, poor working conditions – these are elements of life. But God has not forgotten us or walked away. We all face circumstances that perplex us. In these moments, our faith is challenged to trust solely in the promises of God and not to rely on our emotions or feelings about the situation.
It’s the testing of our faith that causes it to grow stronger. Will we still worship God when he seems hidden? In dark times, we express our confidence in God by waiting upon him and continuing to believe in his promises. Don’t let your current situation shake your faith but use the occasion to strengthen it. Keep trusting that God is present and at work.
