By: Pastor Zac Ethridge
In Hebrews 11, often called the “Faith Hall of Fame,” we meet people whose faith shaped the way they lived. Their stories remind us that faith isn’t just something we believe, it’s something we live out day by day. This week, we come to the story of Joseph, a man whose life was marked by incredible highs and devastating lows.
Joseph’s story, found in Genesis 37–50, is filled with betrayal, suffering, success, forgiveness, and redemption. Yet when Hebrews summarizes his life, it points to a single moment at the very end:
“By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.”
Hebrews 11:22
Joseph’s faith at the end of his life was strong because he had learned to trust God through every season of his life.
Faith When Life Is a Nightmare
Joseph’s life began with promise and dreams, but quickly turned into a nightmare. He lost his mother at a young age. His brothers hated him. Then they betrayed him, threw him into a pit, and sold him into slavery.
Even in the middle of rejection and suffering, Joseph continued to trust God.
“But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him…”
Genesis 37:4
Joseph’s dreams from God only seemed to make life harder. Yet his faith didn’t disappear when his circumstances did. Later, while serving in Potiphar’s house, Joseph faced another test when Potiphar’s wife repeatedly tempted him to sin. Instead of giving in, Joseph fled.
“How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
Genesis 39:9
Satan doesn’t just want us to suffer; he wants us to sin. When we’re hurting, it becomes easy to justify compromise. Joseph had every earthly reason to give in, but he chose obedience over temporary pleasure.
Joseph teaches us that freedom often looks like fleeing temptation.
- Fear God
- Leave no room for the flesh
- Expose Satan’s lie
- Escape through obedience
Even after doing the right thing, Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison. But Scripture repeats a powerful truth throughout his suffering:
“The Lord was with Joseph.”
Genesis 39:2
“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love…”
Genesis 39:21
From the pit, to slavery, to prison, God never abandoned Joseph. And the same is true for us. Just because life feels dark doesn’t mean God is distant.
“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,’ … even the darkness is not dark to you.”
Psalm 139:11–12
No matter what nightmare you may be walking through today, God is with you in it.
Faith When Life Is a Dream
Joseph’s story eventually took a dramatic turn. Pharaoh began having troubling dreams that no one could interpret. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh, and through God’s wisdom, he revealed that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine.
Because of Joseph’s wisdom and leadership, Pharaoh elevated him from prisoner to ruler over all of Egypt.
“See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”
Genesis 41:41
Suddenly, Joseph was living the dream. He had influence, authority, a family, and success. But Joseph’s faith remained just as strong in prosperity as it had been in suffering.
One of the most beautiful parts of Joseph’s story is his reunion with his brothers. The same brothers who betrayed him eventually stood before him in need. Joseph had every opportunity to take revenge, but instead he chose forgiveness.
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
Genesis 50:20
Joseph understood something powerful: God was sovereign over every season of his life. What others meant for evil, God used for good. Joseph realized that even the painful chapters of his story were part of God’s greater purpose. Every setback had prepared him for the calling God had placed on his life.
Here are several important questions to consider:
- Am I becoming bitter or better?
- Am I focused on where I want to be or on who God wants me to be?
- Am I focused on what I want God to do or on what He wants me to do?
Too often, we only want God to change our circumstances, while God is trying to shape our character. God isn’t simply interested in fulfilling our dreams. He’s committed to making us more like Jesus.
A Greater Joseph
Joseph’s story ultimately points us to Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was loved by His Father and rejected by His own people. He was falsely accused, unjustly condemned, and suffered though He was innocent. But what people meant for evil, God used for salvation.
Jesus died and rose again so that we could be reconciled to God and experience eternal life. While sin leaves us empty and spiritually starving, Jesus offers Himself as the Bread of Life and Living Water.
“God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9
Joseph spent his entire life trusting God through both nightmares and dreams. And because of that faith, he died still believing in God’s promises.
The same invitation is before us today. No matter what season you are in, whether life feels like a nightmare or a dream, you can trust that God is with you, God is working, and God’s purposes are greater than you can imagine.
If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.