In His sovereign plan, God knew that letting Joseph’s brothers sell him to the Egyptians would serve a greater purpose. Unjustly incarcerated and accused of a crime he never committed, Joseph endured years in prison before understanding God’s greater purpose.

John the Baptist also experienced injustice and paid a high price for it, when he boldly spoke the truth, by confronting Herod and Herodias of their adulterous affair. His speaking the truth cost him his head. His beheading was unjust and unfair, however, even John the Baptist who had previously proclaimed “He (Jesus) must increase and I must decrease” understood that God always has a greater purpose and we must submit to it for His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Are you in a place where you are having a hard time understanding how what you’re experiencing will all work out for God’s greater purpose? Are you overwhelmed by fears, anxieties, depression, insecurities, rejection, shame, burnout, and finding life unbearable?

My friend, stay encouraged because God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) God knows all intricate details of the circumstances of your life, and to reassure you, He declares: “For I know the plans I have for you,” …“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

For even though it is not very clear what His ultimate purpose is in allowing those painful challenges in your life, He already has a beautiful outcome sorted out. But He wants you to trust Him as you go through the process of surrendering to this unwelcoming trying season in your life. For after a little while, you will understand, praise God, and declare “Whatever had been intended to harm me, God intended it for good to accomplish His greater purpose in my life.”