One of today’s most successful corporations began in 1916 as a carpenter’s shop in Denmark. When the housing market collapsed during the Great Depression, the shop was converted to manufacture toys. When the wooden-toy department burned down in 1960, the company staked its future on the little interlocking plastic bricks it had been making. Today we know the company as Lego, the fifth-largest toymaker in the world, with annual sales of $1 billion.

Joseph too rose to prominence after encountering a number of calamities along the way. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers (Gen. 37:23-28), falsely accused of sexual assault and imprisoned (39:6-20), and forgotten there by a man who had promised to help him gain his release (40:6-23). In spite of all these obstacles, Joseph became second in command to Pharaoh, saved many lives (45:4-7), and freely forgave his brothers (50:19-21).

We tend to look at success and forget the difficulties and delays that preceded it. There are events we cannot control—the unfair employer, the illness or injury, the unfaithful friend. But we can choose our response.

Are you dealing with a difficult situation today? Ask God for guidance. Then leave the outcome to Him.


There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll simply trust
And leave it all to Him. —Overton

When you are swept off your feet, slip down to your knees.