Tried by the Word
Joseph is probably one of the most upright characters recorded in the pages of Scripture. Through one adversity after another, we see him faithful and diligent, steady and strong. Neither betrayal, slavery, slander, or his eventual success could destroy his integrity. And yet, there is much we aren’t shown in Joseph’s narrative.
We aren’t shown the emotions he experienced as his brothers sold him as a slave. We aren’t told how he responded to the difficulties of learning a new language and culture, of going from favored son in a wealthy household to menial slave. But we are given just one glimpse into his heart during the time he was in prison.
I think Psalm 105 gives us a little hint of what Joseph went during that time:
“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the Word of the Lord tried him.” (vv.17-19)
Joseph was in prison—maybe even literally shackled—for over 3 years, (Genesis 41) and it seems to me that this Psalm 105 hints at an internal struggle, a conflict between the promises of God and the apparent circumstances of life. After all, he had acted honorably, had done the right thing, and it landed him in prison. I wonder how much of God’s Word Joseph knew at that point. Would he have been aware of Job’s story, or clung to some of the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and his own father Jacob? Whatever Joseph knew of God’s Word, it tried him.
That word, tried has to do with refining metal. While Joseph waited in that prison, the Word of God worked to refine his character, to prepare him for what was coming.
It seems like the struggle to believe God’s promises hits hardest when we are in a season of waiting, when we cannot see how God is going to fulfill the things He has promised.
As with Joseph, you and I are sometimes called to wait for God’s will to come to fruition—perhaps for years. And while we wait, the Word of the Lord tries us.
We are provoked to hope by the promises of God even as our circumstances tempt us to doubt. And who is this testing for? Not for God. He exists outside of time, and He already knows if we will stand or fall under the pressure of the testing. I believe this kind of testing is primarily for us.
As we are tested, we discover the extent or limitations of our faith, and are brought once again to the place of humble dependence on God. James 1:2-4 tells us,
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
We are tried, and we learn patience. Our character is displayed, then formed.
Dear Reader, are you in a season of waiting today? What truths or promises from God’s Word are “trying” you? Cling to them, choose to trust, and let patience have her perfect work refining, exposing weaknesses, and drawing you to dependance upon God.
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 5:3-5