Genesis 39:20-21 it says, But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Joseph became the head of all the prisoners. So God was with Joseph throughout this time and he was looking after him.
Why let Joseph remain a slave for 11 years and imprisoned for two. Why? Why God? Why? We ask that question a lot when bad things happen to us in prison. Joseph interpreted a dream for Pharaoh's cup bearer who was later released from prison to serve Pharaoh again. Pharaoh had a dream about a coming famine, but no one could interpret it.
The cup bearer remembered Joseph. Joseph told Pharaoh a great famine was coming. He also gave Pharaoh a plan to prepare for the famine. Pharaoh was so impressed he made Joseph number two in authority in all of Egypt. God knew that a famine was coming and that Israel and his family would need help to survive.
Joseph was God's provision for the Israelites. Joseph would save his people. But Joseph, the spoiled favorite son of an overindulgent father, wasn't much use to God. He had to develop godly character and integrity. Eleven years as a slave and two years in prison for a crime he didn't commit were God's preparation for the work that God needed him to do.
It's impossible to imagine how the bitter hatred of Joseph's eight older stepbrothers who sold him as a slave could ever be a good thing.
How could Potiphar's wife, lusting after young Joseph and accusing him of rape become a good thing in prison for two years, a criminal? How could God ever use that for good? But he did. God didn't waste Joseph's suffering. He used it for his good and for the good of God's chosen people.
Joseph dreams did come true. 23 years after his brothers sold him into slavery. His entire family bowed before Joseph. Joseph forgave his brothers and joyously welcomed his family who were reunited with him in Egypt. Psalm 105:19 says, until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph Kirk.
Proud, spoiled, 17 year old Joseph left, learned humility. God purged his heart of hatred and bitterness against his brothers and Potiphar's wife. He learned to forgive. He learned to be totally dependent on God. He became a man who could be trusted greatest of all. He learned to trust God, even though what was happening to him in life made no sense.
Key number one to trust in God. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to his purpose."
God promised it, and he will do it. He will work all things for your good, because you love him and are called according to his purposes. And God does have a purpose for your life. God has plans for you. Detailed, specific plans. Ephesians 2:10 says, "Gor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared. He prepared them beforehand so that we would walk in them."
What God did for Joseph, he will do for you. He will use your greatest struggles to grow your character, then lift you out of those struggles when you're ready to do the things God has planned for your life.