Our Scripture reading today is Genesis 41:50-52.
Verse 52, "And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."
The life of Joseph is one that very few people could relate to all that he went through. There were so many ups and downs in his life. Every time I read through the part of Genesis that covers his life, it amazes me how he continued to stay faithful to the Lord in spite of so many afflictions. Each place he ended up, God brought fruit out of his trial. God meant it for good every place Joseph lived. We know now that God was bringing Joseph to a certain place and time to save people from a famine. Let's not forget Joseph did not have the book of Genesis to read how his story would end. His faith is challenging and encouraging.
We have the same God that Joseph had. God is still willing and able to bring fruit from our affliction. The challenges we might be facing today can be used for our good and His glory. For some reason, God chose not to remove Paul's affliction, but His grace was sufficient for Paul every day. I think we would agree that Paul was fruitful in his afflictions. As we read through the Word of God, our faith should grow stronger as we see many examples of His faithfulness.