“God has made me fruitful in this land of grief”- Gen 41:52b
How many of us can say we are bearing fruit in seasons that bring grief and hardships?
Many of us are familiar with the story of Joseph.
Joseph was lied on.
He was betrayed.
He was forgotten.
He experienced injustice.
Joseph was a prisoner to circumstances he didn’t create.
Yet, “the Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did”(Gen 39:32a).
Joseph was dealt what many would view as an unfair hand. Though there are many things that can be said about Joseph’s story, I want to focus on two aspects for now: bearing fruit in all seasons and the character it requires to do so.
Many people would read Gen 39:32a and miss a key component of the verse. Joseph didn’t only succeed in everything he did because the Lord was with him, but he also succeeded “as he served”.
Wherever the Lord placed Joseph, he served faithfully…even in mistreatment, pain, hurt, grief, and discomfort.
The Lord didn’t only grace and equip Joseph to do it, but I believe it was in him from the beginning. Before his story even shifted, and he was stripped from his home and of his identity, he was found serving his father and brother faithfully.
Joseph had the heart and character to serve, and his conditions and circumstances didn’t change that. Where most people would have given up and allowed grief to overtake them, Josephs character remained.
From Potiphar’s house, to the prison, to the palace Joseph served and he had favor with the Lord.
I know your story may not be reflective of Joseph’s, but have you ever been placed in a season that’s given you every reason to give up? Have you ever experienced hurt, rejection, betrayal, or mishandling? Maybe you can resonate with the feeling of being wrongfully accused or stripped from the very things you had placed your identity in?
If so, you’re not the first person to walk through these challenging terrains. Everyone has, and if not will be met with pain and hardships at some point in life. People will mishandle you, and some season will bring heartache. Yet, even in the midst of your hardships God can show you favor.
Joseph story is a great reminder that you can experience great hardship, but still serve the Lord faithfully, and be fruitful.
Truthfully, Joseph had every reason to get angry, be depressed, and give up. Someone who’s not truly surrender to the Lord probably wouldn’t have been able to withstand the challenges he faced, yet alone serve through them.
Joseph was dealt a hand he wouldn’t have chosen for himself but he didn’t allow his circumstances to dictate his destiny. The Lord met him where he was each step of the way.
I love that Gen 41:52 references the meaning of his second sons name, “Ephraim: God has made me fruitful in the land of my grief”, because it’s a great reminder that we can be fruitful wherever we are as long as the Lord is with us.
If Joseph can endure blow after blow…you can too.
If Joseph can faithfully serve God through grief, and misfortune…you can too.
If Joseph can be stripped of the things he loved dearly and still find favor with God, you can too.
God has graced you and equipped you for every territory He calls you to. Whether the land is familiar or foreign you can be fruitful right where you are.