This is the reality every Christian must face. Doing the right thing will not always lead to better
outcome. Jesus Christ is perfect and He did not even commit a single sin. Yet, He suffered the most
excruciating and agonizing death penalty man has ever conceived.
Being a Christian is not easy. However, God has this to say for those who still choose to follow Him:
“For it is a sign of grace if a man, desiring to do right in the eyes of God, undergoes pain as punishment
for something which he has not done. What credit is it if, when you have done evil, you take your punishment
quietly? But if you are given punishment for doing right, and take it quietly, this is pleasing to God. This
is God’s purpose for you: because Jesus himself underwent punishment for you, giving you an example , so
that you might go in his footsteps” (I Peter 2:19-21).
Jesus Christ added:
“ Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My
sake. Rejoice and be EXCEEDINGLY glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the
prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:11-12).
Every Christian must realize that following God and Jesus Christ is not always convenient. It will
lead to difficulties and persecutions. If your Christian life is always smooth sailing, you better think
twice whether you are really on the right track and on your way to eternal life or not. Because if
you are not suffering, it is most probably that you are on the wrong boat.
Life is expected to be hard and full of challenges. So it is only natural that we suffer during this
lifetime. If we are going to suffer, then why not suffer for God? Why not give our suffering a
worthy reason and cause? Why not suffer for living the life God has called us to live?
Though our Christian walk may be tough, we can all be assured that our reward is all worth it. So
just keep the faith. God will see us through!
Lesson no. 2: God will make all things work together for good
The life of Joseph might have begun with the wrong note. He was loved by his father so much –
something he has no control of – to the point that his brothers resented him. Because of this, his
brothers sold him and was brought to a foreign and unfamiliar land. After about 11 years of faithful
service to Potiphar, he was rewarded with imprisonment.
When he was in prison, he met Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker. Both of these prisoners had a
dream and Joseph interpreted the dreams for them. The butler’s dream meant that he will be
reinstated to Pharaoh’s house while the baker was hanged. All these happened according to Joseph’s
interpretation of their dreams.
After the showing goodness to the butler, Joseph was again repaid with unkindness. Instead of
remembering Joseph after the butler’s release, the butler forgot Joseph (Genesis 40:23) .
When all hopes seem to fade and vanish, Pharaoh had a troubling dream that no one in his court
was able to interpret. All of a sudden, the butler remembered Joseph and mentioned him to the
Pharaoh.
The pharaoh immediately sent and called Joseph. This could be the golden opportunity for Joseph
to turn around his life, from being a slave and prisoner to become freeman again. But Joseph’s
expectation is nothing compared to what he is about to be rewarded!
Joseph’s faith remained strong throughout the years of his stay in Egypt. He confirmed his faith to
God by acknowledging Him to be the supreme giver of knowledge and wisdom. He said, “It is not
in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16).
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and
wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in
regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all
the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:39-41).
What a remarkable turn of event! Joseph, who was just a mere prisoner, was suddenly turned into
the most powerful ruler in the land of Egypt next to the Pharaoh! This is how God works. If God
wills it, he can turn the table in just a moment.
Continue…
Jeremiah 30:17
13
'For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'Because they have called you an
outcast, saying: "It is Zion; no one cares for her."