Faith Grows by Trusting God: Lessons from the Life of Joseph

Faith Grows by Trusting God: Lessons from the Life of Joseph
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is not a static attribute but a dynamic, growing part of our spiritual journey. In Genesis 50:24, Joseph said to his brothers, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” These words reveal a faith deeply rooted in God’s promises—a faith that remained unshaken through trials, triumphs, and transitions.
Faith, like a muscle, grows stronger with exercise. Joseph’s life demonstrates this truth in extraordinary ways. Let’s explore how Joseph’s faith developed over a lifetime of trusting God and how his example inspires us to strengthen our own faith.
Faith in the Pit
Joseph’s first significant test of faith came when his brothers, driven by jealousy, threw him into a pit. Genesis 37:24 says, “They took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.” At that moment, Joseph faced betrayal, abandonment, and isolation. It would have been easy to fall into despair, but Joseph’s faith in God kept him steady. He did not resist or retaliate, trusting that God’s hand was still at work, even in such dire circumstances.
This episode teaches us that faith does not eliminate trials but empowers us to endure them. Like Joseph, we must trust God’s presence and purposes, even when we find ourselves in life’s pits.
Faith in Slavery
After being pulled from the pit, Joseph was sold into slavery to the Ishmaelites. Genesis 37:28 recounts, “When the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.” For many, this would be a moment of hopelessness. However, Joseph chose to trust God’s sovereignty.
In Egypt, Joseph served in Potiphar’s house with diligence and integrity. Genesis 39:2 says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.” Joseph’s faith in God allowed him to excel, even in an environment of servitude. His example reminds us that faith is not contingent on circumstances. Whether we find ourselves in positions of power or oppression, our trust in God can lead to His favor and blessing.
Faith in False Accusation
Joseph’s faith faced another test when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Genesis 39:19-20 describes, “When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, ‘This is how your slave treated me,’ he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison.”
This was yet another unfair turn in Joseph’s life, but he did not let anger or bitterness take root. Instead, he continued to trust God. In prison, Joseph’s faith and character shone brightly, earning him the favor of the prison warden. This part of Joseph’s life illustrates that faith sustains us in times of injustice. When circumstances are beyond our control, we can rest in the knowledge that God is still working behind the scenes.
Faith in God’s Providence
One of the most profound expressions of Joseph’s faith comes in Genesis 50:20, where he tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph recognized that every trial, every hardship, was part of God’s greater plan.
Joseph’s journey—from the pit to slavery, to prison, and finally to the palace—was orchestrated by God to fulfill a destiny far greater than Joseph could have imagined. His faith in God’s providence allowed him to see past the pain and trust in God’s purposes.
What Faith Is: A Biblical Definition
The Bible provides a clear definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is the confident assurance that God will fulfill His promises, even when we cannot see how. It is believing in the unseen reality of God’s Word and His character.
Characteristics of Faith
  1. Faith is Trusting God in the Unknown
    Faith often requires us to step into the unknown, trusting that God is leading us. Joseph’s entire life was marked by uncertainty, yet he remained steadfast in his trust in God’s plan.
  2. Faith is Persevering Through Trials
    Every trial Joseph faced became an opportunity for his faith to grow. Whether in the pit, in slavery, or in prison, Joseph’s faith remained unshaken.
  3. Faith is Believing in God’s Promises
    Joseph’s declaration in Genesis 50:24 reveals a faith anchored in God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He believed that God would keep His promise to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.
Eighteen Definitions of Faith from Scripture
  1. Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1).
  2. Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, 7).
  3. Faith is the invisible backing of elders (Hebrews 11:2).
  4. Faith is the creative power of divine works (Hebrews 11:3).
  5. Faith is the divine testimony of right doing (Hebrews 11:4).
  6. Faith cancels natural laws (Hebrews 11:5).
  7. Faith is the basis of pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6).
  8. Faith depends on God’s Word (Hebrews 11:7).
  9. Faith trusts in an unknown future (Hebrews 11:8-10).
  10. Faith counts things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:17).
  11. Faith sees invisible things (Hebrews 11:13-16).
  12. Faith assures us of God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 11:17-19).
  13. Faith gives confidence in things to come (Hebrews 11:20-31).
  14. Faith stimulates Christian endurance (Hebrews 12:2).
  15. Faith is the life-blood of the just (Hebrews 10:38).
  16. Faith is the shield of Christian armor (Ephesians 6:16).
  17. Faith is the down payment of things desired (Hebrews 10:22-23).
  18. Faith guarantees answered prayer (Mark 11:22-24).
Faith is Strengthened Through Trust
Faith, like a muscle, grows stronger with exercise. Joseph’s life exemplifies this principle. Each trial he faced became an opportunity to trust God more deeply. By the end of his life, Joseph’s faith was so strong that he could confidently declare God’s promises, even as he faced death.
Your faith can grow in the same way. By trusting God in small things, you prepare yourself to trust Him in greater things. Over time, as you see His faithfulness, your confidence in Him will become unshakable.
Application for Today
Joseph’s faith challenges us to examine our own trust in God. Are we willing to trust Him in the pits of life? Will we remain faithful in seasons of injustice or uncertainty? Do we believe that God’s promises are true, even when circumstances seem to contradict them?
Faith grows as we exercise it daily. When we trust God in the small challenges, we build the foundation for unwavering faith in the larger trials. Just as Joseph’s faith carried him through every stage of his journey, our faith can sustain us and lead us into the fullness of God’s purposes for our lives.
Joseph’s life is a testament to the power of faith. From the pit to the palace, his trust in God never wavered. He believed in God’s promises, endured every trial, and ultimately fulfilled the destiny God had planned for him.
Faith is not passive; it is active and dynamic. It grows through trust, obedience, and perseverance. As we reflect on Joseph’s example, let us commit to strengthening our own faith, trusting in God’s unchanging character, and standing firm on His promises. Through faith, we can experience the fullness of God’s power and purpose in our lives.

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