In the Bible, we see two powerful stories that show how God protects His people during challenging times: the story of Joseph during a famine and the story of Moses during the plagues.
Both times, God moved ahead of His people, preparing leaders and provision long before the crises arrived. These stories remind us that no matter how uncertain life gets, God is always in control. He’s not just working in the big events of history but in the lives of ordinary people—like Joseph and Moses—people He uses for extraordinary purposes.
Here are three lessons from their lives we can apply as we lead our families through uncertain times:
1. God Prepares Leaders in Adversity
Joseph’s journey was full of heartache and hardship. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and left to rot in prison. Moses, too, faced rejection, fled for his life, and spent 40 years in the desert wondering if he’d ever have a purpose. But through those hard times, God was shaping them into leaders. Joseph’s time in prison taught him humility and leadership, preparing him to save countless lives during the famine. Moses’ time in the wilderness taught him patience and reliance on God, shaping him to lead millions out of Egypt.
As leaders, we should embrace challenges instead of avoiding them. Hardship isn’t wasted when we trust God to use it for our growth. If Joseph and Moses needed trials to become strong leaders, why would we think it’s any different for us?
2. God Provides for His People in Uncertain Times
During the famine, God used Joseph to store up food and provide for not only Egypt but his own family. Even when it seemed impossible, God had a plan in place. During the plagues, while Egypt suffered terribly, God protected His people in the land of Goshen. Not a single plague touched their homes.
God still provides for His people today. He knows our needs before we do and gives us wisdom and resources to care for our families. We need to stay faithful, trust His guidance, and remember that He is our ultimate provider, even in the hardest times.
3. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Tasks
Joseph was just a young shepherd boy with dreams. Moses was a fugitive hiding in the wilderness. Neither of them seemed qualified to lead anyone. But God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. He gave Joseph wisdom to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and lead a nation. He gave Moses courage to confront Pharaoh and deliver His people from slavery.
You don’t have to be extraordinary to lead your family well. God is looking for people who are willing and obedient. He’ll give you the strength and wisdom you need for the task at hand if you trust Him.
Joseph and Moses remind us that God is always working—preparing leaders, providing for His people, and using ordinary men and women to accomplish His purposes. As we look at the uncertain days ahead, let’s remember these lessons. God is still in control, and He’s still working in the lives of those who trust Him. If we lean on Him, He’ll help us lead our families through any challenge that comes our way.
Let’s follow the example of Joseph and Moses, trusting God to lead us just as He led them.
