The Land of Suffering "Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said,
It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all
my father's household. The second son he named Ephraim and said,
it is because God has made me fruitful in
land of my suffering."
Genesis 41:51-52
Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold by his brothers, he was 30 years old when he entered service of Pharaoh King of Egypt. For 13 years he dwelt in "the land of suffering." He endured deception, slavery, was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, imprisoned, and it was all will of God! (Genesis Chapters 37-50)
God had a purpose, a plan to be carried out that could only be accomplished by Joseph. And, it was God's will that it be carried out in "the land of suffering." Sometimes, God's perfect plan often leads us through a land filled with pain, misery, heartache and despair that we, like Joseph, are forced to endure.
Would to God that we could be like Joseph and not only forget our troubles while we're in land of suffering, but become fruitful like he did and become a blessing to those around us.
