Life happens. What a short sentence that is packed with different memories for all of us. We go through things in our life and sometimes we hit a roadblock or a speed hump. Sometimes we feel like we have driven off a cliff and we are left with no explanations as to why. We are just left with feelings that we do not want to have and situations we do not want to face. What is it all for? Why am I here? Does my life even matter? These are not fun questions to ponder. Unfortunately, I have had these questions more than once. These questions remind me of a life of a young man that God used in a mighty way.

Joseph found himself in a pit that his very own brothers put him in. I can only imagine how devastated he must have been. Then they sold him! Can you even imagine the heartache Joseph must have felt. He was ripped from life as he knew it and carted away like a farm animal for others use.

We may not find ourselves in a literal pit, but there are times when we can feel like we are in a deep dark pit with no way out. We may not actually be sold to a passing caravan, but we may find ourselves feeling alone with what seems like a great distance between us and those we know and love. We may also not actually be in a far-off land, but many times we can find ourselves traversing new things in our life that we do not find the least bit welcoming.

As we read about Josephs life, we find that God allowed the events to happen in Joseph’s life to fulfill His plan. It took years for Joseph to be reunited with his family. He endured a lot and rose to have power. Enough power that he saved countless people from starvation and relocated his family.

All those years that Joseph grew in a foreign land and all he endured was to fulfill God’s plan for his life and ultimately God’s plan for others as well. Life happens to us. We have joyous days and days we do not think we can make it through. There is always a plan for God’s Children, although it may be hard to see.

I have spent years of my life believing I knew exactly where my life was headed to only find out one day that I had no clue all along. I have had times where I was convinced that God didn’t want me, only to be shown time and time again that I am precious to Him and that He does have a plan for me. I’ve had times that I wondered why I am still here on this Earth, and then seen weeks later things I would have missed, and divine appointments lost if God had actually answered my prayer for me to be with Him.

The truth is that we never know what is around the corner. I imagine that Joseph had some thoughts sometimes of where his life was headed. One thing is for sure, Joseph made the best of where he found himself. I believe we can as well.

Life can overwhelm us at times. There are many days that I just say, “so this is where I am today huh?” These times are infuriating to me when I am in the moment. I wish I could say that I am quiet and patient and long suffering. Maybe sometimes, but honestly the majority of the time I am dealing with my health and angry with my body.

I am finding that taking a pause is the best medicine. Going back to remembering the attributes of God are a great first step when “life happens”. Then making sure I am not drowning myself in anything and everything I can to fill my mind. Instead, I try to be quiet and think of what I know. I know that I am one of God’s children. I know like a good Father; he wants only the best for me. I know that He has a plan for my life that intertwines with His overall plan for the world. I know He is maturing me. I know that through suffering we learn a lot about ourselves and develop our character. I also know that if God is allowing me to go through something, it is for my benefit and quite possibly the benefit of others.

Our roles may be small, but they are all for the Kingdom of God. So, when we feel the craziness of life hit us hard, maybe think about the story of Joseph and how God used his wild ride of a life to continue to build His Kingdom. God loves to use the least to show His mighty power. No matter how small you feel, you are a mighty tool in His hand. So let life happen and look for the glimmer of hope through all the darkness and know that what you go through is bigger than you can imagine when you release it to God. We just might be amazed at what He does with it while we are sitting and learning from The Foot of Grace.