In the School of Affliction

Daily Devotional – Monday, February 27, 2023
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
Psalms 119:71 (NKJV)

Joseph has just returned from supervising the distribution of food to Egyptian citizens. As his menacing guards usher him into the office, another group of his servants is parking his chariots and thoroughbred horses. It has been a long day but the Chief Minister will spend a few more hours in his office.

Power on a Silver Platter?

As he pores through requests for purchase of food from neighbouring nations, he hears someone mentioning Zaphnath-Paaneah in the lobby. That is his Egyptian name. Out of curiosity, Joseph moves closer to the door to eavesdrop on the conversation.

“The golden boy is back.” A man says in a hushed voice.
“Some people are very lucky.” Remarks another voice. “A man from nowhere is now the king’s principal assistant.”
“He must be from the royal family.” A woman’s voice interjects. “How do you explain receiving power of a silver platter?”
“Perhaps he is Pharaoh’s illegitimate son. He must have been hidden somewhere to undergo special training for this position.”
“True. That is why he is so wise and refined.”
“I wish I was in his position. You have lived in luxury from childhood. You don’t struggle. Then one day, you go straight from the residential area of the palace to the executive office.

In the University of Suffering

Joseph decides he has had enough and retreats to his executive chair. If only they knew his story. He tells himself. Where were they when his brothers wanted to kill him but later sold him? How would they react if they knew about his years as a slave and prisoner?

Instinctively, he opens the door, catching the gossipers unawares. “I heard all you said.” He tells them. “You are misinformed. Let me tell you my story.” For the next two hours, the three Egyptians listen to the life history of their master with shock. They are embarrassed at their ignorance.

In the School of Affliction

“Everything I have is a result of God’s grace, diligence, and discipline. On many occasions, I asked God why He was allowing all this suffering in my life. Gradually, I have come to realize that my painful experiences prepared me for the position of Chief Minister of Egypt.

“The principles I use to run your nation today, and which have resulted in prosperity and global acclaim, are from the schools of ridicule, rejection, slavery and imprisonment. My teacher was and is God. Indeed, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn His statutes.”” (Psalms 119:71).

Prayer
Dear God, teach me to appreciate my lessons in the school of affliction. Teach me not to give up, like Joseph, because You have a noble reason for my experiences.