Recall Joseph’s story in Gen 45, where after a humiliating family betrayal, (a betrayal so familiar among us hurt by relatives), all he says when he has a chance to expose his brothers’ hypocrisy, is, wait for it…

“It was not you who sent me here but God…” (Genesis 45:8). Later he adds “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20).

With this perspective, Joseph sheds light on the question (or we could say, theology) of suffering based on who he knows God to be. He is not just assessing his circumstances; he is understanding God’s plans and purposes.

If you are also going through hard times, you may ask: why should I suffer if I am a believer? Many aspects of Joseph’s life points forward to Jesus Christ: in a lesser way than Christ, Joseph helped to rescue his family (preserving Israel), and he went through suffering, rejection, and betrayal. Jesus provides the ultimate rescue through His suffering on the Cross.

We learn from Joseph’s story that God works even through pain and suffering to show his power and ultimately to be glorified. Joseph’s suffering, and ultimately Christ’s suffering, are the bedrock in understanding Christian suffering. How so? It was the sinful, jealous hearts of Joseph’s brothers that led them to sell him into slavery, and this only after Judah counselled them to not spill his blood (Gen. 37:26- 27). It seemed as if evil was going to triumph over an innocent man.

Yet we are told over and over, that even in his slavery or while in prison, “The Lord was with him” showing him steadfast love (39:2, 5, 21). So whether enduring enslavement, false accusations or imprisonment, God was with his servant through it all. And by the end of Genesis, we see the good purpose of God completed in Joseph that many people should be kept alive (Gen 50:20).

Again, Joseph’s story foreshadows the great Saviour Jesus Christ who, through his suffering and death would keep God’s chosen people alive. Jesus would be treated unjustly, mocked, and spat at by both Jewish and Gentile rulers, and then crucified. When we reflect upon the cross, we see the evil intentions in man’s hearts, and at the resurrection we see the mighty glory and power of God. It was all part of God’s plan of redemption (Acts 2:23-24).

So, what about you, how will you face your tough circumstances or hardship?

Peter reminds us that Christ suffered so we can “follow in his example” (1 Pet 2:21). Those of us who are believers are co-heirs with Christ and part of that means that we too will have to suffer like him or for him (Romans 8:17).

When you suffer, don’t throw in a towel. Instead, share in Christ’s suffering and death (1 Pet 4:13). Suffering is God’s plan for his people. He has sovereignly orchestrated that through suffering, he will redeem and perfect his people. Suffering is not a hindrance to your growth, but rather a demonstration of his might triumphing over all evil in the world (Rom 8:28). So don’t see suffering as a curse, but as a means of God to deliver grace according to His perfect will.

Why shouldn’t your perfect response to suffering should be like the great hymn writer, William Cowper, who wrote: