You may be wondering how you can trust God in your trials like Joseph did. You may be facing difficulties or challenges that seem overwhelming or insurmountable. You may be feeling hopeless or helpless, or even angry or bitter. How can you trust God in such situations? Here are some practical steps you can take, based on the story of Joseph in Genesis 41:1-57.
First, acknowledge your situation and your emotions. Don't deny or suppress what you are going through or how you are feeling. Be honest with yourself and with God. Tell him what you are facing and how you are feeling. He knows everything and he cares about you. He can handle your questions and your complaints. He wants you to pour out your heart to him (Psalm 62:8). As David said, "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
Second, remember God's character and promises. Don't let your circumstances or emotions cloud your view of God. Remind yourself of who he is and what he has done for you. He is sovereign, faithful, gracious, and merciful. He loves you and has a plan for you. He has saved you and called you to his purpose. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has promised to work all things together for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). Meditate on his word and his works. Let them fill your mind and heart with hope and confidence. As Paul said, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Third, surrender your situation and your will to God. Don't try to control or manipulate your situation or your outcome. Don't rely on your own wisdom or strength. Don't resist or rebel against God's will. Instead, submit to him and trust him. Say to him, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Give him your situation and your will and let him do what he knows best. He can do more than you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). As Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
Fourth, follow God's guidance and obey his commands. Don't sit back and do nothing or do whatever you want. Don't ignore or disobey God's voice or word. Instead, listen to him and follow him. Do what he tells you to do, even if it doesn't make sense or seems hard. Joseph followed God's guidance and obeyed his commands, even when they led him to slavery, prison, and power. He did not know the outcome, but he trusted God's direction. God will guide you and show you what to do, if you seek him and obey him (Proverbs 3:5-6). As James said, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).
Fifth, expect God's blessing and share it with others. Don't lose hope or give up on God's goodness. Don't hoard or hide God's blessing for yourself. Instead, expect him to bless you and use you to bless others. Joseph expected God to bless him and his family, even in the midst of famine. He also shared God's blessing with others, especially his brothers who had wronged him. He forgave them and provided for them. He said to them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). God will bless you and use you to bless others, if you trust him and serve him (Matthew 25:21). As Peter said, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10).
These are some steps you can take to trust God in your trials, like Joseph did. It may not be easy or quick, but it will be worth it. God has a purpose for your trials, and he will use them for his glory and your good.
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