“He named the second [son] Ephraim (fruitfulness), for God has caused me to be fruitful and very successful in the land of my suffering.” Genesis 41:52 AMP
Joseph was a man that had gone through much suffering. As a teenager he was separated from his family and all that he knew when he was sold by his brothers (Gen. 37:18-36). Although Joseph was miles away from his family, he wasn’t alone. Genesis 39:2 says, “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man…”. God was with Joseph and He blessed him right where he was. He blessed him right in the midst of his suffering and most difficult, lowest times. Although he was made a slave he was brought in from the fields and put in charge because he could be trusted.
Joseph was lied on by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. And again Genesis 39:23 states “…the LORD was with him…”. Even in prison he was raised to a position of authority. While in prison he helped two men by interpreting their dreams. Joseph asked them to remember him when they were released, but two years would pass before Joseph was remembered (Gen. 41). Joseph suffered much even though he had done no wrong, but God was always with him, and continued to bless and prosper him even in the midst of all he was going through.
God was preparing Joseph for something great, not just for himself but to be able to help and bless others. He learned humility and he learned forgiveness, although it’s not always easy to forgive. I believe it’s one of the greatest forms of love. And although Joseph may not have been able to see in the beginning how any of what he endured was working for his good, he was able to see it in the end, ‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day].’ Genesis 50:20 AMP. Joseph became a blessing to many including his family, even his brothers that sold him.
Joseph never gave up on God. He always knew God was with him. We must also know as Christians and Children of God — We are never alone. God is always with us even during our suffering and most difficult, lowest times. Not only is He present but He is also working in our lives. We must remember as I was recently reminded, ‘It’s not about a feeling.’ God is there even when we may feel like He has abandoned us. We must also teach our children, like Joseph taught his sons, as long as you have the LORD on your side, “You Are Never Alone”.
