“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18

Have you ever had a bad season as an athlete or a coach? Have you ever felt like everything that could go wrong did go wrong during a game or season (or at least a high percentage of things went wrong)? What about in your life? What sustained you through that?

Joseph knew that feeling, but his situation was dire compared to most things involving sports. He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, accused of sleeping with his boss’ wife, thrown into prison, and forgotten. He then ascended to second in command of Egypt, before saving Egypt (by storing food), his own people (including his brothers), and being reunited with the rest of his family, including his father who loved him dearly.

More than 20 years went by before Joseph was reunited with his family, but he endured. And when it came time to face his brothers, he didn’t show anger or bitterness. He showed grace and mercy.

Joseph was resilient and came out on top (outwardly, but most importantly, inwardly) despite his circumstances.

His inward countenance was only preserved because of his reliance on God to sustain him— through people, but mostly through God’s unseen presence and doing things for Joseph that God could only see and do.

If you go through or are going through something difficult, ask God to help and sustain you so that your inward countenance is renewed each day.

By Brett Honeycutt