Purpose in Pain (Genesis 50:15-21)

Introduction

We are in the season of Lent—a time marked by reflection, pain, and preparation.

It’s a season that invites us to examine our hearts and recognize that even in our pain, God is present—and more than that, He is working.

Today, through the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:15–21, we see this truth in action.

Joseph’s life, filled with betrayal, injustice, and suffering, reveals that God often uses pain as preparation—not just for personal growth, but for a greater purpose that blesses others.

Let us Pray.

Pain

The common misunderstanding we have about pain is that it means we did something wrong.

That could be true.

You might be on the wrong path, and God might be redirecting you back to the right one.

Conversely, God might be preparing you for what’s next.

This is why I highlight the importance of having a growth mindset.

With a growth mindset, you see all experiences—good or bad—as opportunities from God.

The book Experiencing God describes this as God inviting you and speaking to you about His work.

Through this process, you may experience pain and suffering—through people, events, or even within yourself.

However, remind yourself that God always has a purpose for your pain.

What matters is how you come through it.

Job 23:10 “Yet he knows the way I have taken; when he has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.”

Here’s the funny thing: some people actually pay to go through pain—for example, signing up and paying money to run a half-marathon, which is 13.1 miles!

Why would anyone do that, right?

But I commend them.

They’re constantly challenging themselves. They intentionally put themselves in uncomfortable situations to learn and grow.

And it's true—if we stay in our comfort zones, we become stagnant.

If we get too comfortable, we lose sight of God.

There has to be some degree of hardship—for our good—so we don’t drift away from Him.

That’s the purpose of Lent, isn’t it?

For 40 days, people around the world give up something meaningful so they can focus more on Jesus—ideally.

I think it’s interesting when I see non-believers around me practicing Lent. I ask them, “Do you know the significance of Lent?”

They often say, “Yeah, it’s that time of year to learn self-discipline by giving up something important.”

You see, people often do things just because others are doing them.

But the real importance of Lent is Jesus.

Lent, pain, sacrifice—it’s all focused on Him.

Story of Betrayal and Forgiveness

Let’s enter Joseph’s story.

A dreamer—betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, wrongfully imprisoned—forgotten and seemingly forsaken.

If anyone had reason to doubt God’s goodness, it was Joseph.

Just imagine: a seventeen-year-old being sold into slavery by his own brothers out of jealousy. The true face of sin.

How do we view this situation? Do you say to yourself, How could the brothers do that? That was so wrong of them?

Because it was a hateful and unjust act, does that mean God wasn’t in the midst of it?

We can’t view this story simply in terms of good or bad deeds.

The truth is, Joseph had to go to Egypt one way or another.

He had to be there to prepare the way for his people to eventually migrate.

God was preparing Joseph to fully trust Him and to grow into the character of God. (Every Day - we are)

Despite the pain Joseph endured during his early years in Egypt, we see the man he became in his later interactions with his brothers.

His brothers were terrified when they finally faced him again.

Genesis 50:15–18 “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.” So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!””

Yet when Joseph stood face to face with those who had hurt him, he didn’t seek revenge. Instead, he said something extraordinary:

Genesis 50:19–21 “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

In that moment, Joseph saw clearly: the pain of his past wasn’t wasted—it was preparation.

God had been (strategically) positioning him all along to be a vessel of provision and leadership.

Finding Purpose in Our Pain During Lent

Now, consider your own story.

During Lent, we are invited to walk with Jesus—not just in His victory, but in His suffering.

As we reflect, we may uncover places of unresolved pain: wounds from others, disappointment with life, or even grief over our own failures.

But just like with Joseph, God can use your pain to prepare you for something more.

Lent reminds us that even Jesus walked the road of suffering—facing betrayal, misunderstanding, and ultimately, the cross.

But none of it was without purpose. The cross was not the end of the story—it was preparation for resurrection.

What does the resurrection signify? Eternal life.

The world thought it had defeated God by nailing Jesus to the cross...

But God was just getting started…

They were mistaken. The world will never defeat God. God is always in control of all things.

Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Jesus was the first and greatest example of the glory that comes when you fully trust in God.

And so it is with you. Whatever trial you’re enduring, God can turn it into a testimony.

Your scars can become sacred. Your hardship can become a holy remembrance—a place where God's power is made perfect in your weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Embracing the Preparation

Preparation doesn’t always feel good—but it’s necessary.

Joseph had to endure suffering and hardship to mature into the man God needed him to be.

A seed must be buried before it can bloom. Sometimes, growth takes time.

The caterpillar must endure the darkness of the cocoon before becoming a butterfly. And when it does, it emerges as something beautiful.

Likewise, we must go through seasons of pain—seasons that shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us to serve others with deeper compassion and stronger faith.

Joseph didn’t see the full picture while he was in the pit or the prison. But God did.

And God sees your full picture too.

So don’t take your eyes off Jesus.

Trust in God’s plan and His purpose for your life, having full faith that He will provide.

Conclusion and Call to Action

So, what do we do with this?

Here’s your call to action:

Reflect: As this Lenten season comes to a close, take time to examine your pain. Ask yourself: What pain have I experienced, and what is God preparing me for through it?

Forgive: Like Joseph, choose forgiveness. Don’t let bitterness block your blessing. Don’t let pain keep you locked in—find God’s purpose in it.

Trust: Trust that God is not done with your story. Your suffering may be the very soil from which someone else’s salvation will grow.

And don’t forget where we’re headed.

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday—the day we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem, fully aware that the cross awaited Him.

He didn’t turn back. He embraced the pain because He knew the purpose: our salvation.

So, as we prepare for Palm Sunday and the week that follows—Easter—let’s walk with Jesus.

Let’s understand that His journey through pain brought resurrection life—and so can ours.

Let us embrace this season of preparation with hope, with humility, and with hearts ready to see God’s purpose in our pain.

Hebrews 12:2 “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Amen.

Let us Pray