And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
Genesis 37:24
Dear Church and Friends,
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Can’t you imagine Joseph asking that question while they were stripping him of his coat? As they threw him into the pit? As he was being lifted up out of the pit by the merchants? While he was on his way to Egypt? While being sold to Potiphar?
And yet, even during the abuse, God was in the pit. Notice there was no water in the pit. Joseph had a dry hole to wait in while the Ishmeelites came. Imagine how dangerous it would have been for his health if water was in the pit.
Joseph had a right to complain. We would too.
- They hated that coat. And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him 37:20.
- They hated Joseph’s dreams. And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it 37:24.
- They decided to turn this to their advantage. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content 37:26-27.
The problem is we only look at the issues of the moment. We can’t see the big picture which includes future outcomes. Only God himself knows that. That is why instead of dwelling on the momentary problem, we must trust the Lord who is with us in the pit, in the camel-train, on the slave runway, and in Potiphar’s house.
The Lord did a work with Joseph that began with suffering. He will do a work with us too and sometimes it begins with suffering. Let’s trust Him in whatever pit we find ourselves in.
Music: Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer by the Fron Male Voice Choir.
Consider supporting Creek Road Baptist Church through the Amazon Smile program. Use this link to select Creek Road Baptist Church as your designated charity. Once you have made this selection simply begin using Smile.Amazon.com (instead of using Amazon.com). No credits are available using just Amazon.com. Please contact the church office or Pastor Dave if you need help or have any questions.
Prayer Requests: Please pray for the following.
- Ben and Brittany Mangrum, Hamilton, Ohio. Ben Mangrum planted Inspiring Hope Church in Hamilton, Ohio. “Please pray God will continue to grow our core team and give us wisdom in the days ahead as we engage our community, build relationships and plan for the upcoming year.”
All my best.
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Genesis 37:28
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