Sometimes, it is easy to feel that the Bible's stories are simply not relevant to what you're going through. You might be facing issues at home, with your relationships, unemployment, financial , at work, or dealing with health problems. Say, Help Me God. Trying to find solace from the Bible might feel, well, distant. If you feel this way, please read through the many stories in the Old Testmaent. You will notice that a large part of this section of Scriptures tells the story of people dealing with adversity. From famine in Canaan to slavery in Egypt to four decades wandering a barren wasteland, to all sorts of strife, war, and disease. But throughout it all, is a message of hope. A message of perseverance. And, ultimately, a message of overcoming and redemption. Far from being distant stories from the Bronze Age involving people who merely herded animals for their livelihood, the Bible's stories tell deep and profound truths that still apply even in the iPad and iPhone mobile Age. They tell stories of faith and hope. Precisely the kind of stories you need to hear and draw strength from. If you are facing challenges, examine the story of the patriarch Joseph to see how God is always by our side even when we feel we are alone, desperate, and without any options.

Betrayal and Abandonment: The story of Joseph

The patriarch Joseph was hated by his brothers because their father Jacob favored him. They hated him so much that they held him captive in a pit and sold him into slavery. Some brothers, right? If you are feeling betrayed or abandoned, you know exactly how Joseph felt. It doesn't feel good to have your trust abused and used against you. Still, Joseph walked with God and trusted God. As a result, even in slavery, Josephy became the head steward of his master's home. In fact, beside his master Potiphar and Potiphar's wife, he held the most authority and power in his master's home. Instead of giving in to the justified anger he probably felt against his brothers for capturing him and selling him off into captivity, he focused on his relationship with God first. He submitted to God and let God take over his life. As a result, Joseph was blessed. Still, his master's wife falsely accused Joseph of trying to rape her and had him thrown in prison. Have you ever had false charges made against you? Have you had people lie about you behind your back or to your face? It hurts, right? It is understandable if you feel angry and cheated. Joseph saw his high status and everything he worked so hard for evaporate when he went to prison. Life may feel unfair right now. You may feel the burden of everything seemingly going against you. Still, you need to take comfort in Joseph's story.

Rising above adversity in faith

Throughout Joseph's prison term, he never lost faith. He maintained his relationship and walk with God. The result? Joseph was made the de factor administrator of the prison. He had authority over the whole prison and only reported to the prison warden. This is how powerful God's grace is.

Regardless of what you're going through or enduring right now, you have to remember that if you seek God first and have a relationship with him, He will help you handle your situation. He may not make all your problems disappear, but He can bless you with something even more important-changing your heart so you can see your life in a whole new light. It is so easy to get angry. It is so easy to feel that life is unfair. But if we seek God first, he changes our hearts and minds and the world, and our challenges, begin to look very different and our lives reflect this new viewpoint. God may not always take all our problems away or deal with them the way we would like him to but we can have faith in him that he will always work to change us within. And that is the bigger blessing.

Let Us Pray:

Prayer Title: God is My Help

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being with me right now.

Thank You for loving me.

In every situation or problem that I face, I'm going to seek Your guidance and Your answers.

I give this situation or problem (fill in the blank with your situation or problem) over to You

I place my hope and complete trust in You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

These scriptures will offer guidance for you during your times of need. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5), “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22), “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37)

Never give up on life and never give up on God. God will never give up on you. Look to the story of Joseph. Abide in God and He will give you the strength, wisdom, and endurance to carry you through.

Robert Moment is a life coach, speaker and author of several life-changing books including, Christian Youth: Its Cool to Believe in God for Love, Acceptance, Friendship , Protection and Direction, Help Me Find God, Christian Women: Blessed Wherever You God, and Faith: Living Your Life Fully and Freely Without Fear. Robert loves people and enjoys helping them. Robert specializes in maximizing human potential for happiness, purpose and success. Visit http://www.AChristianYouth.com and sign-up for the FREE 5 Day e-Course titled, Christian Youth: Be Inspired to Live for God.