God’s Plan for Pain

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

The view was not good from where Joseph lay. At the bottom of an empty well, he was probably feeling betrayed, hopeless, and alone. Joseph, the favored one of his father, had unwisely recounted a dream to his brothers in which they symbolically bowed down to him. Angered by his arrogance and envious of the favoritism their father showed him, the brothers threw him into a pit, sold him into slavery, and feigned his death.

After two tumultuous decades, it seemed that life was finally looking up. While in prison for a crime he did not commit, Joseph was able to interpret a favorable dream for the Pharaoh’s cupbearer. Joseph's only request was for the cupbearer to mention him to Pharaoh. But the cupbearer forgot. Once again, it seemed that blessing had been ripped cruelly from Joseph’s hands. When was God going to turn this thing around?

Two years later, the cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. After over a decade of servitude, Joseph's moment of opportunity had finally arrived. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of an approaching famine, and as a result, Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of Egypt to prepare the nation. God used a painful trial to bless Joseph and save an entire nation from disaster (see Genesis 41:56-57).

Even though we may be in a rush to see God's purposes fulfilled in our lives, He is not. We may feel like our current season of life is a waste, but God wastes nothing. God is certainly not the author of evil, but He is so gracious that He will transform dismal circumstances into opportunities for blessing. By the time Joseph was reunited with his brothers, he had realized this Truth: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Where are you standing in the timeline of Joseph's story? Whether you are hurting, waiting, or rejoicing, take some time to thank God for the things He has done and will do in your life. Ask God for the fresh perspective He gave to Joseph, and receive His peace and rest where there is turmoil in your life. Trust in Christ, and He will faithfully lead you through every spiritual mountain and valley.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your faithfulness to redeem painful events in my life. Thank You for protecting me and for fulfilling Your purposes in my life. I trust in You today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Joseph: Portrait of a Winner: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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