Trust in the Pit: When God’s Plan Doesn’t Make Sense
Life rarely unfolds the way we imagine. One minute we feel secure, and the next, we’re stuck in a metaphorical pit—confused, hurting, and wondering where God is in it all. The story of Joseph offers us a raw, honest look at how God moves through life’s most painful detours—and how we can still trust Him even when everything feels like it’s unraveling.
Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37. Favored by his father and gifted with prophetic dreams, Joseph believed God had a plan for his life. But jealousy from his brothers turned those dreams into disaster. They threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery. It was the start of a long, winding journey filled with betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment. But it was also the beginning of God’s greater purpose unfolding—not just for Joseph, but for an entire nation.
Here’s what Joseph’s story teaches us: God is just as present in the process as He is in the outcome.
We love the idea of purpose. We don’t love the process it takes to get there. God’s process is usually slower, harder, and more confusing than we want. His path isn’t linear—it zigzags through pain, waiting, and growth. And yet, every setback becomes a setup for something greater.
Painful Pathways Still Lead to Purpose
Joseph’s dreams didn’t put him in the pit—his brothers’ hatred did. God didn’t create the pain, but He allowed it—and He used it. Sometimes, following God doesn’t make life easier; it makes it more difficult. But even in the betrayal, slavery, and prison, Genesis 39 keeps repeating a truth we need to hold onto: “The Lord was with Joseph.”
There’s a huge difference between knowing what God is doing and believing He’s with you in it. Joseph didn’t have clarity, but he clung to presence. So should we.
God’s Timeline Is Slower Than Ours—But Better
We want microwave miracles. God is more into crockpot character. Joseph’s story unfolded over years—not days. Every delay was forming something in him that he would later need: wisdom, humility, faith. You can’t fast-track transformation.
And while it seemed like everything was working against Joseph, God was quietly working through it all—down to the smallest detail—to preserve a people, sustain a promise, and prepare a lineage that would one day lead to Jesus.
When You’re in the Pit, Shift Your Expectations
Disappointment often comes from unrealistic expectations. Many of us feel disillusioned with faith because we assumed following God meant fewer problems. But we live in the “already but not yet”—Jesus has won the victory, but we still live in a broken world. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for good—but it’s not always immediate good. It’s eternal good.
Jesus Is the Greater Joseph
Joseph points us to someone even greater—Jesus, who was betrayed, falsely accused, sold for silver, and thrown into the pit of death. But God raised Him up. The cross—humanity’s darkest moment—became the doorway to salvation. And because Jesus entered the deepest pit, we can trust Him in ours.
So what do we do when we find ourselves in the pit?
We lean into the process—trusting that God is doing something in us, even if we can’t see it yet.
We reframe our expectations—knowing God’s timeline often looks different than ours.
We look to Jesus—the one who’s been there before and promises to never leave us in the dark.
Questions to Reflect On:
Where in your life do you feel stuck in a pit?
How might God be using this moment to build your character?
What expectations about God’s timing or process need to be surrendered?
How does the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus give you hope right now?
Whatever stage you’re in—entering a pit, sitting in one, or climbing out—God is with you. He’s working not just for your good, but for the good of many through your faithfulness. Trust Him with the slow work. Let Him shape your story for His glory.
No pit is too deep. No process is wasted. And no purpose is beyond redemption.