As Christians we are to cease from living as we once did in a life of the flesh not being concerned with any involvement of sin. But when turning to the Lord with a repentant heart so starts a trial we may not expect, yet so needed if we understand the reproach and sufferings of the one we now follow. (1 Peter 4:1-6).  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

 Although it does not seem a joyous time when going through a trial of any kind, if it be for serving Christ then our faith being tried works patience for our good. (James 1:2-4).  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 If we do what is right then it does not bother us if God were to test us and try our hearts, but it is the way God has chosen to repay us the fruit of our doings. (Jeremiah 17:9,10).  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

 The next time there is a trial in your life remember God is on the throne, and is ever aware of your situation. He truly does take that which is directed at us for evil and will turn it to good. Proof of this is in the story of Joseph who was hated by his siblings and was even sold by his brothers, BUT GOD moved on his behalf for the good! It was Gods will and grace over him that his brothers evil agenda was not carried out! (Genesis 37:15-36).

 When Joseph by the Holy Spirit was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams he rose to power.

                                                Joseph Rises to Power 

 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number. (Genesis 41:37-49).