What Do You Do When Times Get Tough?

Someone said that you are either heading into a trial, in the middle of a trial, or just coming out of a trial.  Trials and tough times are part of life.  How should we relate to difficult circumstances when they confront us?

I recently read an article in the September issue of Adventist Journey that addressed this question.  It follows below.

Jane Marczewski ("Nightbirde”) exuded quiet confidence and peace as she stood on stage and told the judges her story.  She was a singer-songwriter, 30 years old, and the cancer she had been battling for several years had metastasized.  As she sang her original song, the judges and audience wiped tears from their eyes.

Jane openly shared her faith and her struggle with cancer on her blog.  “Even on the days when I’m not so sick, sometimes I go lie on the mat in the afternoon light to listen for Him.  I know it sounds crazy, and I can’t really explain it, but God in in there–even now.  I have heard it said that some people can’t see God because they won’t look low enough, and it’s true.  If you can’t see Him, look lower.  God is on the bathroom floor.

Have you ever thought it would be better to wait until you are healthy or successful before witnessing to others about God?  It’s easy for us to think that we need to have everything “together” before we share the gospel with others, but several stories in the Bible show us just how effective it is to witness through the chaos and struggles of our daily lives, even in the most difficult of circumstances.  Joseph is a prime example.

As the older son of his father’s favorite wife, Joseph was privileged and loved above his brothers.  At 17, he was gifted with a beautiful robe by his father and received prophetic dreams that predicted his rulership over his brothers and even his father.

It was too much for his brothers.   When presented with the opportunity for revenge, they seized Joseph, took off the offending robe, and threw him into an empty cistern.  They then sold him to a passing caravan of traders destined for Egypt.

From Slave to Trusted Servant

Joseph survived the trip to Egypt and was sold by the Ishmaelites/Midianites to Potiphar, an officer of Pharoh and captain of the guard.  But “the Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (Genesis 39:2).

Joseph may have been forced to leave his family, but he brought his faith with him.  He did not hide his beliefs from Potiphar, and while Potiphar may not have worshipped Joseph’s god, he saw and understood that God was with Joseph and that his household benefited from the blessings God poured out on him.  

This prompted Potiphar to promote Joseph to overseer of his entire house.  God acknowledged this positive treatment of Joseph:  “From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field” (verse 5).

From Prisoner to Ruler

Unfortunately, Joseph’s success did not last.  Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, then accused him of a terrible crime.  Although he was innocent, Joseph was cast into prison.

Joseph could have allowed himself to despair.  Who would blame him?  There seemed no hope of freedom or of seeing his family again.

He could have let circumstances diminish his faith and morality, or at least his work ethic!  Instead, he continued his habit of faithful service, and God blessed him, even in prison

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison….and whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed” (verses 21-2 3).

Joseph’s interaction with the chief cupbearer and the chief baker reveals his sympathy and respect toward his fellow prisoners.  EG White wrote that “it was the part he acted in the prison – the integrity of his daily life and his sympathy for those who were in trouble and distress – that opened the way for his future prosperity and honor.”

His behavior during a time of personal darkness was a witness to those around him and an example for us today.  “Every ray of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon ourselves.  Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to the needy, if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings to the giver.” Ibid.

It was several years before Joseph was released from prison, and even after he was promoted to governor of Egypt, it was some time before he was reunited with his family.  When he finally revealed himself to his brothers, he declared to them: “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves. because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5)

When he was first sold into slavery, Joseph could not have known that he would become governor of Egypt or that his leadership and God-given wisdom would secure the well-being of his family and all of Egypt.  He could not see how God would use the terrible situation in which he found himself.

But Joseph did not wait until he was overseer of Potiphar's house or governor of Egypt to be faithful to God or give Him the glory for his successes.  Indeed, it was because of his witness that Potiphar and Pharoh recognized the true source of Joseph’s successes.

He did not give up even when his circumstances worsened.  Instead, he used every opportunity to live the faith of his fathers, bringing light to the very darkest corners of Egyptian society.

As a slave, Joseph could speak with the common members of Potiphar’s household and possibly other estates.  In prison, he encountered inmates of various backgrounds.  And as governor, he mingled with leaders of nations.  God used Joseph to reach every social strata.

Perhaps you find yourself on “the bathroom floor,” like Jane, or “in the pit,” like Joseph.  You might wonder how you could possibly be a witness during a time of personal darkness and pain.  Yet, even as you cling to God in your struggle, your perseverance and faith may be an inspiration to others.

P.S.  Jane Marczewski died at age 31.

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