There’s a startling trend in Christian thinking about suffering. Though subtle, this misconception is no less dangerous than many other of Satan’s lies. I call it the “Joseph Principle,” and it goes like this:
If I am suffering in obscurity today, God must be preparing me for something greater, better, or more prominent later in life.
…the hard truth: Sometimes suffering only leads to our greater obscurity, but His greater glory.
–Anonymous, Embracing Obscurity
Joseph (and several other biblical characters) seemed to go through trial and suffering so that they could come out on the greater end with more prominence later in life. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, but his suffering led him to become the 2nd highest official in all of Egypt. This “Joseph Principle” has us telling ourselves that we will come out of our suffering like Joseph – in a place of higher prominence and status. But we must remember that this life is not all about us and having our names become great, but rather is all about God and having His Name be made great.
Therefore, the suffering that we endure may not give us more status, more wealth, or more power. In fact, it might just do the opposite. But if we will hold onto God’s hand through the midst of our suffering, He will get greater glory as others see that we continue to praise Him in the midst of the storm. And if He gets greater glory, than we are fulfilling one of the key purposes of our life on earth.
Your suffering today may not make you greater tomorrow, but if you walk through it with God, your suffering today can make God look glorious and great to others – and that is a goal worth suffering for.
Father, help me to endure whatever trials, pain, and suffering come my way by holding onto Jesus and sharing with others how great You are.