by leaps and bounds

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Romans 8:28 is a much quoted verse in Christian ranks. However, many people want only good things to work out. Truthfully, that just is not real life. Bad things will always be mixed in with good things. The life of Joseph proves this truth.

Joseph had dreams that basically pointed to his brothers being subject to him. Honestly, at the time he did not see that he would in fact be able to save their lives someday. His brothers viewed his dreaming as a sign of arrogance. Notice their attitude in Genesis 37:19:

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

Scripture says that Joseph’s brothers tossed him into a pit. Then they sold him to the Ishmeelites that were coming through. None of this sounds good. It certainly got worse before it got better.

Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, bought him from the Ishmeelites and made him overseer of his house. Things seemed to be looking up, but Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph. Then he wound up in prison.

Looking at all of this, we may say, “Everything in Joseph’s life was falling apart.” But was it?

Pharaoh’s butler and baker wound up in prison with Joseph. When they each had a dream, Joseph gave them the interpretation. The butler was released from prison. He forgot all about Joseph.

Notice, that God was working things out on the other end of this story. Pharaoh had a dream. The butler, who had forgotten Joseph, told Pharaoh about Joseph’s interpretation of dreams. Joseph was summoned. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and wound up second in command in Egypt.

Through seven years of plenty, Joseph helped the Egyptians stockpile grain. Seven years of famine came- the Egyptians had plenty. Joseph’s family heard that there was food in Egypt.

Joseph’s brothers came to him for help. At first they did not recognize him. Through a series of events, Joseph and his brothers reconciled- after all Joseph had been used by God to save their lives.

When we really examine this story, we see that, while Joseph was in prison, all of the pieces were falling into place. Things seemed to be falling apart. In reality, the pieces were all falling into place!

This is how God works with us. Life can really seem crazy at times. However, God is moving behind the scenes- working it all out for our good. We are never forsaken or forgotten by our Heavenly Father. If your world seems to be collapsing around you, remember:

When things seem to be falling apart, the pieces are all falling into place.

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.