“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?’ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21 ESV

“But Job replied, ‘You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?’ So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” Job 2:10 NLT

The story of Joseph, Jacob’s favored son, is a powerful example of God’s sovereignty on full display. I’ve often reminded myself that I can literally read the entirety of Joseph’s life story in a matter of minutes, or hours. However, he lived it. He lived all of it. Years of trauma. Years of frustration. Years of unfulfilled dreams. When we finally see Joseph come to power in Egypt as Pharoah’s second in command, he’s not a dreaming kid in a colorful coat anymore, and his visions of bowing wheat sheaves have all but faded. It’s really an incredible story. A story only the Master Story Writer could pen.

There’s no denying the hand of God on his life, carrying Joseph through various hills and dark valleys. I think we sugarcoat the difficulties he endured and downplay his demonstration of utmost integrity. We often think it was basically a walk in the park with a couple of unpaved paths perhaps. However, there is no downplaying his summary statement to his brothers, “God did it.”

Uhm…What???

I wonder if Joseph ever told them the whole story, the drama of it all. I wondered if he told his brothers how he earned his place as top-slave in Potiphar’s house. How he resisted the temptation of Potiphar’s skanky wife. How God granted him the insight to interpret the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. I wonder if his brothers rubbed their heads with mouths open as he told of being brought from prison after two more years to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh himself. It really is an incredible tale. But not necessarily one that I would personally characterize as a “favored” journey, right?

I mean, do you think Joseph was a little hesitant when Potiphar and his wife came asking for food during the famine? Did Potiphar’s wife wink at him when she stood in line? I don’t know. There are so many questions I have… I digress.

Joseph’s acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty is astounding. Saying to his brothers, who sold him — instead of killing him because that would’ve been unreasonable…insert eye roll— “God actually brought me here to save us. It was His plan.” 

Breathtaking. I think there should be a “Selah” after this verse!

I find myself literally speechless.

This moment in history is only rivaled by Job’s response to his severe loss and terrible suffering. Job says, “God gave it to me to begin with, and He can take it away whenever He wants. Praise Him!”

I’m sorry. What??

The realization that Job never receives any explanation in his lifetime is utterly astonishing. At least Joseph sees a full circle, but Job, not a word.

Who are these people who worship a God that does what He wants?

Who is this God who …does what He wants? …and without explanation?

He is the Sovereign Lord, Creator of Heaven and Earth.

He is the King of all kings.

He is worthy of all praise.

He is the Master Story Writer, the Master Composer, the Master Artist.

In the midst of your suffering and turmoil, you can trust Him.

Worship Him.