Making it personal
To continue on Joseph, we also see that he was rejoicing in hope. When circumstances go wrong, we tend to always think the worst which in turn affects our attitude. Joseph, who had reason to be depressed and complain, did just the opposite. Gen. 45:1-8 shows us Joseph’s heart. His heart was fixed on God and it came through allowing him to rejoice even in his situation. He told his brothers that what they meant for harm, God meant for good. Rom. 8:28 comes to mind and tells us that all things, not just some, work together for good. Now if you ask Joseph if it was for his immediate good, I am sure he would laugh at you. We think just because the immediate good might not be reached that God some how made a mistake. We also think that if there is pain that it is bad. Joseph went through pain both physical and emotional but in the end, he was closer to God and the good was reached.
You also see the patience of Joseph in time of great tribulation. This patience was so evident because Joseph had plenty of tribulation to complain about. Once again, not one time is it recorded that Joseph ever charged God foolishly. I am sure that being thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, lied about and thrown into prison were not at all in his grand plan for life. However, Joseph kept his eyes on the Lord, remained calm and he endeavored to persevere.