There are some great and wonderful stories in Scripture—but perhaps none more moving than the story of Jacob and Joseph. We read these marvelous tales and reread them to learn the many lessons they yield. Almost all who read the stories miss some fragment of great truth. That is the beauty of the Holy Scriptures, you cannot glean everything from them in just one reading—actually a lifetime of reading and study will show a person that there is more to learn.

In Genesis 37:29-35 we read that Joseph was “dead,” as far as Jacob was concerned. Jacob mourned the death of his son for the next 16 years. Every parent who has lost or almost lost a child can immediately understand the agony and unending sorrow Jacob wrestled with during those years.

Sorrow and suffering

The saga continues in Scripture. In Genesis 44:16-22, we see the 10 brothers of Joseph (who had sold him into slavery) were still plagued and affected by what they had done. As a result, they and their father had also become overanxious about Benjamin (Joseph’s only full brother). Joseph, in the meantime, was also missing his family and his father, Jacob, most of all. As he reveals his identity in Genesis 45:3, Joseph’s first question is about Jacob his father. “Then Joseph said unto his brothers, ‘I am Joseph; does my father still live?’”

It is a great exercise in thought to visualize God’s position in all of these events. God heard Jacob’s anguished cry for years in his prayers. The sorrow and weight carried by the brothers is also clear. Joseph, in the meantime, was also in prayer to God in all of his trials. Every night God heard Jacob’s lament and pain. God allowed him to suffer and believe that Joseph was dead for about 16 years.

All of the family suffered for this length of time. Joseph eventually had a little more encouragement from God through his dreams and the unfolding of events. He also knew his father and brothers were alive when he was sold into slavery. The acts of his brothers, though, would weigh heavily on him for years. That was, without doubt, one of the reasons Joseph handled their first appearance before him with care. He needed to know how they now felt.

By the time Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt, Joseph knew the reason God had let him be sold into slavery and reassured his brothers (Genesis 45:5). Like all people with whom God has concerned Himself, Joseph had trials and tests of faith and trust.
Jacob must have wondered for years why God had (he thought) let Joseph die. Why was Joseph not saved or rescued by God? These are questions many people would have in those circumstances. Jacob agonized, but he did not curse God. The reason God allowed the events was so Israel could live. “God sent me before you to preserve life” (verse 5). God saved the lives of Jacob’s family through Joseph. There were eternal lessons to be learned in the process. Though painful, their purpose and goal were so very great that there was nothing left to be said. They could only praise and glorify God.

This is also the purpose for the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God allowed them for your sake and mine (John 3:16-17). He suffered so we could have life everlasting (Luke 18:28-30).

Our calling and purpose

The people of God have a similar calling and purpose. They, too, suffer in Satan’s world while trying to live a godly life. Their purpose is to save this world and give life to it. In Matthew 24:22, Jesus states because there are people who follow Him and willingly suffer to obey God, life will be saved on this earth. The time of greatest danger lies immediately ahead of us all. Mankind will be looking for a Helper and Redeemer. God is preparing a people for the return of Jesus Christ in the near future. This world is standing on the brink of disaster and death without recognizing the “Joseph” that is waiting in the wings.

It is impossible for God to be even the least bit negligent, unkind or lacking in love for His people. He is totally in charge and loves the people He created and hates evil. God is in the process of creating a people for the future. (To learn more, read our free booklet What Is Your Destiny?) God is refining and perfecting people today just as He did in Jacob and Joseph’s time (Daniel 11:35).

God allowed Jesus to be “perfected” by what He suffered (Hebrews 5:5-10, 14). We too, must understand the awesome wisdom of God in allowing us to suffer. The process of preparation and refinement belongs to God. He is the Potter; we are the clay (Romans 9:21).

Suffering builds character—both good and bad. God’s intention is that righteous character be built in His people. Just as Joseph grew in stature and wisdom through what he suffered, even so, we, too, must endure and continue to grow to be more like God. Endurance, patience, care for others, strength, resilience, toughness, perseverance—all are developed through what we experience in the hard knocks of life. Jacob and Joseph experienced the fulfilled promises and purpose God had in mind. Jesus, too, knew the purpose of His suffering and accepted it (Luke 22:42).

We have a life to live and a life to give. It is a challenge, and there is a purpose and goal. As the heroes and heroines who went before us, we, too, need to learn to trust God to do His part as we live our lives and accept our part. God is the author and finisher or our faith and of our lives (Hebrews 12:2).