Ever wonder why terrible things happen to good people? Maybe you’re going through something right now that makes absolutely no sense. You’re doing your best to follow God, yet life keeps hitting you with one blow after another. If that’s you, then Joseph’s story will either frustrate you or give you hope—depending on how you look at it.
This powerful Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon from Doug Schorle challenges everything we think we know about hardship and God’s role in it. Because here’s the shocking truth: sometimes God allows the worst things to happen to accomplish the best purposes. And Joseph’s life proves it.
The Good Guy Who Got the Worst Deal
Starting Strong, Falling Hard
Joseph had everything going for him. He was his father’s favorite son, received prophetic dreams from God, and seemed destined for greatness. Then his world completely fell apart.
What happened to Joseph:
- Betrayed by his own brothers who sold him into slavery
- Falsely accused of sexual assault by his master’s wife
- Thrown into prison for a crime he didn’t commit
- Forgotten by people he helped when they could have helped him
If you’re looking for a fairytale where good behavior gets rewarded with an easy life, Joseph’s story isn’t it. But if you want to understand trusting God in hard times, this is exactly where you need to look.
The Questions That Haunt Us
When Doug Schorle delivered this Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon, he pointed out the questions Joseph must have wrestled with—the same ones we ask today:
- “God, I thought you had plans for me. Why is this happening?”
- “I’ve been faithful to you. Where are you now?”
- “How long am I supposed to endure this?”
- “Does any of this pain actually matter?”
Sound familiar? These are the midnight thoughts that keep us awake when life doesn’t make sense.
Understanding God’s Sovereignty in Suffering
What Sovereignty Actually Means
Before we dive deeper into redemptive suffering, let’s get clear on what God’s sovereignty means. It doesn’t mean:
- God causes every bad thing that happens
- God enjoys watching us suffer
- We should just accept abuse or injustice passively
- Everything happens for a reason we can understand
God’s sovereignty means:
- Nothing catches God by surprise
- He can work through even the worst circumstances
- His ultimate purposes will be accomplished
- He sees the whole picture when we only see pieces
How Joseph’s Pain Had Purpose
This Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon reveals something incredible: every terrible thing that happened to Joseph was somehow woven into God’s bigger plan.
The slavery that seemed like a dead end? It positioned Joseph to learn Egyptian culture and customs.
The false imprisonment that felt like injustice? It put him in the right place to meet Pharaoh’s officials.
The forgotten promises that bred disappointment? They taught Joseph to depend on God’s timing, not human memory.
The years of waiting that felt wasted? They developed character and wisdom Joseph would need later.
The Long Road to Redemption
Thirteen Years of Silence
Here’s what blows my mind about trusting God in hard times: Joseph waited thirteen years between his dreams and their fulfillment. Thirteen years of slavery, false accusations, and prison. Thirteen years of wondering if God had forgotten him.
During those silent years, Joseph could have:
- Become bitter toward his brothers
- Lost faith in God’s promises
- Given up on his dreams
- Compromised his integrity to get ahead faster
But he didn’t. And this redemptive suffering shaped him into the leader God needed him to become.
The Skills Suffering Taught
What did those hard years actually accomplish? This Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon shows us that suffering often develops qualities that success never could:
Patience: Joseph learned to wait for God’s timing instead of forcing his own plans
Humility: Suffering stripped away any pride or entitlement he might have had
Empathy: Having experienced injustice, Joseph could later show mercy to others
Dependence on God: With no human help available, Joseph had to rely completely on the Lord
Leadership under pressure: Managing a household and prison prepared him to manage a nation
When the Pieces Finally Fit
The Moment of Revelation
After years of trusting God in hard times, Joseph finally understood why everything happened. When his brothers came to Egypt during the famine, he could have destroyed them. Instead, he said something that reveals the heart of redemptive suffering:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Think about that statement. Joseph didn’t say:
- “It all worked out fine, so I’m not hurt anymore”
- “God didn’t really allow the bad stuff”
- “Everything happens for a reason”
He said: “You meant evil, but God meant good.”
The Greater Purpose Revealed
This Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon shows us that Joseph’s personal pain served a massive purpose:
His family was saved from starvation during the seven-year famine
An entire nation survived because Joseph was in position to store grain
God’s covenant with Abraham was preserved through difficult circumstances
The stage was set for Israel’s time in Egypt and eventual exodus
Joseph’s suffering wasn’t random—it was redemptive suffering that served God’s bigger plan to bless the world.
What This Means When You’re in the Pit
For Those Currently Suffering
If you’re in your own version of Joseph’s pit right now, this Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon offers several truths to hold onto:
Your pain isn’t punishment. Joseph wasn’t suffering because he did something wrong. Sometimes hardship comes simply because we live in a broken world.
God sees your situation. Even when it feels like you’ve been forgotten, God knows exactly where you are and what you’re going through.
This season has purpose. You might not see it now, but God can use even the worst circumstances to accomplish good.
Your character is being shaped. The qualities you’re developing through trusting God in hard times may be exactly what you’ll need for your future calling.
Practical Ways to Trust During Hard Times
1. Remember God’s past faithfulness. Joseph could look back on God’s protection even in difficult circumstances.
2. Stay faithful in small things. Joseph worked excellently even as a slave and prisoner.
3. Help others when you can. Joseph interpreted dreams for fellow prisoners even though he was suffering too.
4. Don’t seek revenge. Joseph could have destroyed his brothers but chose forgiveness instead.
5. Keep believing God’s promises. Even when dreams seem impossible, God’s Word remains true.
The Difference Between Explanation and Trust
You Don’t Need All the Answers
Here’s something this redemptive suffering story teaches us: Joseph never got a full explanation while he was going through it. God didn’t appear to him in prison and say, “Don’t worry, this is all part of my plan to save Egypt.”
Joseph had to trust without understanding. And that’s often what trusting God in hard times looks like for us too.
Faith in the Dark
This Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon reminds us that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does.
You might not know:
- Why this is happening to you
- How long it will last
- What good could possibly come from it
- When you’ll see relief
But you can know:
- God loves you
- He’s working even when you can’t see it
- Your pain won’t be wasted
- He’ll give you strength for today
How to Apply Joseph’s Story Today
Reframe Your Perspective
Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” try asking:
- “What is God teaching me through this?”
- “How can I stay faithful during this season?”
- “What character qualities is God developing in me?”
- “How might this prepare me for future opportunities?”
Look for Ways to Serve Others
Even in his darkest moments, Joseph found ways to help people around him. This redemptive suffering principle still applies:
- Encourage someone else who’s struggling
- Use your experience to comfort others
- Stay excellent in your work even when circumstances are hard
- Look for opportunities to show God’s love
Hold Onto God’s Promises
Just like Joseph held onto his dreams for thirteen years, you can hold onto God’s promises:
- He will never leave you or forsake you
- He works all things together for good for those who love Him
- Your present sufferings aren’t worth comparing to future glory
- He has plans to prosper you and not to harm you
The Ultimate Picture of Redemptive Suffering
Joseph Points to Jesus
This Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon ultimately points us to an even greater story of redemptive suffering. Just like Joseph, Jesus was:
- Betrayed by those closest to Him
- Falsely accused and unjustly condemned
- Suffered for sins He didn’t commit
- Died to save others from spiritual famine
- Rose to a position of ultimate authority
The difference? Jesus knew exactly why He was suffering, and He chose it anyway to redeem us.
Your Suffering Can Have Meaning Too
While your pain might not save nations like Joseph’s did, it can still have redemptive purpose:
- It can draw you closer to God
- It can develop Christ-like character
- It can prepare you to help others
- It can display God’s grace to watching world
- It can be part of God’s bigger story
Moving Forward with Hope
Trust the God Who Sees
This Joseph and God’s sovereignty sermon challenges us to trust God even when we can’t trace Him. Trusting God in hard times doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine—it means believing that God can work through everything, even the worst things.
Your Story Isn’t Over
If you’re in the middle of your own difficult chapter, remember: Joseph’s story didn’t end in the pit, and yours doesn’t end in your current circumstances either.
Keep believing that:
- God has good plans for your future
- Your current suffering isn’t the final word
- God can redeem even the worst situations
- You’re being prepared for something greater
The Bottom Line
Redemptive suffering doesn’t mean God causes every bad thing that happens. But it does mean He can use every bad thing that happens. The same God who wove Joseph’s pain into a beautiful tapestry of redemption is still weaving stories today.
Your story of trusting God in hard times might be the very thing that encourages someone else to keep going. Your faithfulness in the dark might be preparing you for opportunities you can’t even imagine yet.
So hold on. Keep believing. Stay faithful. The God who didn’t abandon Joseph in the pit won’t abandon you in yours either.
This blog post is based on biblical teaching from Atlantic Gospel Chapel in Atlantic, Iowa, where we’re committed to faithful Bible teaching that builds lives on Jesus Christ. If you’re walking through a difficult season and need encouragement from God’s Word, we’d love to have you join our community of believers who are learning to trust God together.
