“When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe . . . and threw him into the cistern.”
— Genesis 37:23 – 24
When Joseph’s father gave Joseph a beautifully colored robe, Joseph’s brothers were so jealous that they ripped it off and threw him into a deep, empty well. Later, they sold Joseph as a slave!
Bella also felt other people’s jealousy. She had taken voice lessons for years, and she had the best voice in the seventh-grade choir. Although no one was surprised when she won the lead in the spring musical, several girls were angry about it. During one of the rehearsals, a coil of rope was left where Bella would be sure to trip over it. She did — and sprained her ankle so badly that she had to quit the show.
What happened to Bella — and to Joseph — was totally unfair. They may have both asked, “God, why did you let this happen to me?” “Why?” is a question that God often doesn’t answer, at least not right away. He asks us to trust him instead, even when bad things happen.
We don’t live in heaven yet. Our world isn’t perfect, and neither are people. Sometimes awful things happen. But through it all, always remember: God loves you, and you can trust him. If you’re patient, he will bring amazingly good things out of any situation.
More To Explore: Romans 8:28
Girl Talk: Describe the last time you asked God why something happened. Do you trust that God will take care of you no matter what?
God Talk: “Lord, I don’t understand why some things happen. Help me to remember that trusting you is the most important thing. Amen.”
From Shine On, Girl! by Kristi Holl