16 He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food;
17 and he sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave.
18 They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons,
19 till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true.
20 The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free.
21 He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed,
22 to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom. Psalm 105:16-22

When Joseph was thrown into a well by his own brothers and then sold to traveling Midianites, I doubt he had any idea that he would one day be second or third in command of Egypt.

I doubt he was thinking of palatial glory when he was accused of rape and tossed into a dungeon for a period of time. Both incidents are clear illustrations of bad things happening to a good person. He did nothing wrong in either case. And yet he suffered greatly for them.

History is filled with scenarios like this. Bad things happen to good people. It’s perhaps one of those questions that millions want to ask God when they see Him face to face.

There are people reading this who are in that situation right now. You are suffering and you did nothing wrong. You feel you do not deserve this suffering. Some are in emotional pain and agony over what has happened to you. You keep asking, “Why Why Why?” but you do not get an answer, and probably never will get an answer in this life.

Like Joseph, you wonder when and how it will end. You may not even think it will ever end.

Hang in there, folks. You are in your situation for a reason. You may not ever know that reason (and probably wouldn’t like it if you knew it) but you are being prepared to be used by God. I know the near future looks grim for you, but this is only temporary.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

It will end, and when it does, give God all the glory for seeing you through.