Hard times in the Bible never disqualified God’s people from their purpose, whether they were still seeking clarity, already walking in a calling, or waiting on God to fulfill His promise. God was at work within them and their lives, preparing them to live purposefully for His glory.
Joseph didn’t fully understand his purpose or the timing of God’s plan when his troubles started.
Though God gave him dreams that hinted at rising to authority within his family, he was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery (Genesis 37:5-11, 18-28 NIV). Later, when God put him into a position to prosper, he was falsely accused and imprisoned (Genesis 39:1-19 NIV). Joseph endured years of waiting, loss, and injustice. During these hard times, he may have felt confused or doubtful about the future God had shown him.
Even in uncertain times, Joseph remained faithful wherever God placed him. Over time, God used his circumstances to refine his character and prepare him for leadership and a future calling that saved his family and many others from famine. (Genesis 39:21-23; 41:38-49; 45:5-7; 50:20 NIV) Joseph’s story reminds us that even in tough times in life, when things unfold differently than expected, our God-given purpose is not negated. God can still reveal His plan and bring His vision to life as we follow Him and steward what He’s entrusted to us well.
Elijah was already walking with clarity in his calling when his challenges began.
He confronted false prophets, witnessed God’s miracles and power, and helped turn people’s hearts back to Him (1 Kings 17:1-24; 18:19-40 NIV). Yet when he faced opposition and threats, Elijah found himself exhausted, afraid, and convinced that his life no longer mattered (1 Kings 19:1-4, 10 NIV). When he grew weary, it began to influence how he saw himself and his purpose.
God met Elijah right where he was, and while he rested, provided him with food to meet his physical needs (1 Kings 19:5-8 NIV). Then God met Elijah’s emotional needs by reassuring him of what He would do to help him carry out His calling (1 Kings 19:11-18 NIV). With renewed strength and perspective, Elijah mentored Elisha, the prophet who would succeed him in continuing God’s work into the next generation (1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:9-15 NIV). Elijah’s story shows us that even when we’re discouraged and worn out in pursuing our calling, God is faithful to help us. When our physical and emotional energy is drained, God will refresh and sustain us so we can continue walking in His purpose for us.
The Bible reveals that God’s purpose for us is not altogether delayed, diminished, or dismissed because of hard times in life. Pain and purpose can coexist in our lives. Even when you face obstacles to your calling, God continues working in you and through every circumstance to fulfill what He has planned. Romans 8:28:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
God’s work in us shapes who we are becoming in Christ, which influences how we live each day and walk in our unique calling. As seen in the lives of Joseph, Elijah, and many others throughout Scripture, God does not leave us alone in difficult seasons. His presence and power guide and prepare His people as His purposes are fulfilled.
You may be waiting on God’s timing, but He’s preparing you day by day. You might have to slow your pace, yet you can still move forward with God’s grace. You sometimes need to shift your direction or change your plans, but His purpose remains possible as you follow His lead. Who you are and what you do hold value and significance in God’s eyes throughout every season of your life. No matter where we are in discovering or living out our purpose, God uses every difficult season of life to grow us from the inside out and lead us forward according to His plan. If we continue to trust God in difficult times, we can still live a purposeful life.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Fahad Bin Kamal Anik
