Why Does God Allow Suffering, Let’s Talk About Joseph!
Introduction
Why did God allow Joseph to suffer? At times, the suffering we endure seems deeply unfair, especially when it stems from the sinful choices of others. Joseph is a prime example of this. His own brothers sold him into slavery, an act that would seem utterly unjust. Yet, the story ultimately concludes on a note of redemption for all involved, as Joseph rises to a position of great power and is able to save his family from famine. Despite the suffering and betrayal he endured, Joseph chose to wield his power with wisdom and mercy, paving the way for a heartfelt reunion with his brothers. However, this reconciliation came only after a long and arduous journey of suffering for Joseph.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Joseph assured his brothers, saying, "So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 45:8 (AMP). God had indeed placed Joseph in Egypt for a divine purpose, but why did He allow Joseph to suffer so greatly? Why did his brothers have to live with guilty consciences for so long, while the region endured seven years of severe famine?
The transformation of Judah offers some insight. Perhaps Judah saved Joseph's life by suggesting that they sell him instead of killing him “Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood (murder)? Come, let us [instead] sell him to these Ishmaelites [and Midianites] and not lay our hands on him, because he is our brother and our flesh.” So his brothers listened to him and agreed.” Genesis 37:26-27 (AMP). Yet, unlike Reuben, Judah did not argue to spare Joseph entirely. Instead, he was complicit in deceiving their father, Jacob, leading him to believe that Joseph had died—a deception that struck Jacob deeply, as Joseph was one of only two sons born to him by his beloved wife, Rachel. For Jacob, losing Joseph was like losing a piece of Rachel, and all he had left was Benjamin. The brothers' actions could be seen as a way of punishing Jacob by taking away his cherished son, whose favored status had fueled their jealousy and resentment. Or perhaps they simply sought to punish Joseph for his perceived arrogance, particularly his dreams of his brothers bowing to him.
However, years later, Judah's heavy conscience and concern for his starving people had changed him. He stepped forward as a leader among his brothers when they sought grain from Egypt's governor—unbeknownst to them, their long-lost brother Joseph. When Joseph demanded that they bring Benjamin to Egypt, Judah showed remarkable courage and selflessness, pleading, “Now, therefore, please let your servant (Judah) remain here instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his brothers. How can I go up to my father if the young man is not with me—for fear that I would see the tragedy that would overtake my [elderly] father [if Benjamin does not return]?” Genesis 44:33-34 (AMP). Some scholars suggest that Judah's heartfelt plea and evident transformation were what ultimately led Joseph to reveal his true identity. Seeing the change in Judah, Joseph was able to bless his brothers as God intended.
Such a transformation does not happen overnight. It takes time for it to become deeply rooted and genuine. Joseph even overheard his brothers discussing their guilt when they thought he wouldn't understand, showing how God had been sanctifying Judah's heart Genesis 42:23 (AMP). God was not merely interested in external behavior; He sought a leader with a heart turned toward Him. Judah's act of selfless humility exemplified the character of a true leader. As one scholar notes, "Contrary to the values of the societies around Israel, the willingness of leaders to offer themselves in sacrifice for the sins of others was intended to be a signature trait of leadership among the people of God." Judah would go on to lead the tribe from which Jesus would be born centuries later.
Much time had passed since Joseph was sold into slavery, and during this time, God's process of sanctification—distinct from the definitive sanctification that occurs when we are saved—was at work. Sanctification requires an awareness of sin and a genuine repentance. Judah had indeed changed, which was what Joseph sought to confirm when he tested his brothers. He was looking for real heart change.
Joseph's story also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His plans, which often unfold in ways we might not understand. By the time Joseph had interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, at least seven years had passed. The events foretold—years of abundance followed by years of famine—had unfolded exactly as God had warned through Joseph. Now, Joseph was in the perfect position to fulfill God's plan.
Why did it have to be so complicated? God could have easily brought the crops to life, but He chose a different path. As He declares in Isaiah 55:8, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord." (AMP). We are not always meant to understand why God does what He does. Famine, after all, is a symptom of the world's broken state. The Lord often allows trials to remind His people of their need for Him, drawing them back to Him in repentance. This discipline is an expression of His love, as Proverbs 3:12 says, "For those whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights" (AMP). God's discipline is meant to turn our attention away from the things that harm us and damage our relationship with Him. When Israel's gaze wandered, He mercifully called them back.
The story of Joseph and his brothers also touches on the broader question of why God allows suffering, especially when it seems so unjust. Why do good people suffer while the wicked seem to prosper? Joseph's story highlights that our sufferings are not always just about our personal sanctification, though our responses to suffering do reflect the condition of our hearts. Joseph responded to his trials with integrity, and he was rewarded for it.
Joseph's journey from slavery to governance is a reflection of a greater narrative—the story of Christ. Jesus, though innocent, endured the cross for our sins. His suffering was essential for our salvation, just as Joseph's suffering was essential for the salvation of his family. When our eyes are opened, we realize that we deserved the punishment Jesus took upon Himself, just as Joseph's brothers deserved to be imprisoned for their betrayal. Yet, Joseph glorified God in the way he handled his unjust suffering.
When Joseph was finally reunited with his brothers, he wept. To them, he had been dead, and to him, they had been as good as dead. Similarly, Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, knowing that He would soon bring His friend back to life. Jesus allowed Lazarus to die for a purpose: “This sickness will not end in death; but [on the contrary it is] for the glory and honor of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” John 11:4 (AMP). By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority and power, showing that He was both fully man and fully God. Yet, the pain and grief came first, reminding us that without suffering, we might not recognize our need for God.
God's Word continually reminds us that He is in the business of restoring life, even when all hope seems lost. This is evident when Joseph and his brothers are reunited in true repentance and forgiveness, and when Jesus literally brings Lazarus back to life. Jesus Himself conquered death by rising from the tomb. When we acknowledge that we are dead in our sins and that only Jesus can save us, the stories of Joseph and Lazarus should lead us directly to the empty tomb. God is glorified when we declare His saving power and claim victory over the sin that separated us from Him. Our testimonies connect us to generations of the faithful and lead others to Jesus when we choose to suffer with patience, mercy, and integrity. Even when we see others living as though spiritually dead, there is still hope; even a hard-hearted brother like Judah was not beyond the reach of God's regenerating mercy.
Joseph's story also reminds us of the importance of obedience to God, even when it involves enduring great pain. We must be willing to obey the Lord, even when others hurt us, our prayers seem unanswered, or the answer is "no" for now. We might face chronic pain, oppression from a difficult family member, or other forms of grief that seem unending. But when we understand that God is purposeful and loves us, we also remember that He rewards the faithful in astonishing ways. This should fill us with hope, for when we are watching and working for the glory of God, we will be awed and overwhelmed by the ways He reveals His plans, and we will be grateful to witness what He has in store for our lives.
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!
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