Encouraging Others in Hard Times: Joseph

   One person who faced many hard times in the Bible, over many years, was Joseph. He faced many unknowns. One particular hard time was when he was put in charge of all of Egypt. It was his job to get Egypt through a 7 year famine.

   Joseph had been given a gift by God to be able to interpret dreams. In Genesis 41 we read that Pharaoh called him out of prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Not only did Joseph interpret his dreams, he also gave Pharaoh advice. He told Pharaoh to keep some food aside for the years of famine. Joseph was a smart business man. He did not just sit around when an impending famine was coming. He prepared for it.

   Joseph was not just responsible for his family but the fate of all those people in Egypt and beyond. Who knows if they had faced a famine of that magnitude before? Joseph trusted God and followed his plan. He did not know all the things God had planned. Yet, he believed God had good planned for him and his family. Because Joseph trusted God, he and his family were saved.

   Nowadays, we go through hard times. We face unknowns. But, it’s not only us who face those unknowns. Many times people have gone through the same things we have. Many times leaders are facing new situations where they are learning along the way just as we are. The interesting thing is if people would not have believed Joseph or followed him then many would have perished. It may be hard to trust people or leaders in trying times; but, if we don’t band together, then we could all perish.

   Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It is hard to go through tough times. Yet, if we work together and encourage one another it makes life on earth a little easier. This verse also reminds us that this time on earth is temporary. We will face hard times, like Joseph did, but eventually if we believe in Christ we will be with him in heaven.

   I encourage you to remember how important it is to be prepared for when hard times come. Remember to spend time with God and trust in him when hard times come. Think about how people before you may have gone through those hard times. Remember that it is vital to band together in difficult times and encourage each other.

   Image from here.