We’ve been looking at the story of Joseph and about how getting to where he needed to be was a long process that required unexpected twists and turns, many of which looked like anything but the fulfillment of a destiny. His story is encouraging to us because it teaches us about God’s redemptive sovereignty. You see, the Lord is not holding our sins against us — we can count on the cross for our forgiveness and know that as we put our trust in Him, He will get us to where we need to go. Even when we are faithless, He is faithful!

This reminds me of my son, Cohen, who just loves Disneyland. Although he doesn’t understand everything, he knows that he likes to be at the happiest place on earth, so we go pretty much every week (since we were blessed with season passes as a gift). Unfortunately, he doesn’t understand the concept of lines very well, so when we arrive at a ride, say Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, which is his favorite, the line wraps around multiple times and actually takes you farther away from your ultimate destination. When we get in line, Cohen is smiling and very happy, but as we turn and move away from the ride, he begins to cry, “Please, No! No! I want Astroblasters!” As we stand there, he gets more and more frustrated, but little does he know that we’re making progress the whole time and getting closer to where we need to be to get to the main attraction. I think life in the Lord is a lot like this.

Friend, although it may seem like you are moving away from where you want to be, and you may be frustrated at where you find yourself in this stage of life, stay faithful to Jesus. Know that He has gone before you and when he looks at your life, He sees the end first and He is already there. Though there are unexpected twists and turns that frustrate you and sometimes keep you in the dark, He knows the course you are on because it was engineered by His perfect design. No matter how hard things are now, you’re growing, learning, and improving and He is moving you to the next good thing. Let that truth take root in your heart and keep your hope alive — the One who promised is faithful!