Deeper Reflection
In our work life,⁴⁴ we need to recognise and rest in the sovereignty of God. God is in sovereign control over all of our lives.45 It is not that we do not have the freedom to make choices in the course of our lives, but that God superintends our lives – and indeed all of human history – to bring things to pass in accordance with His sovereign will and purposes.46As Christians, recognising and resting in the sovereignty of God in our work will provide us many benefits, such as lesser fear and frustration, and lower stress and anxiety, when we encounter setbacks at work or when things are not turning out the way we would prefer or expect. Not only has God revealed Himself in the Scriptures as the Sovereign Lord of all creation, He has also revealed to us His attributes of steadfast love and faithfulness towards His covenant people.47 We must by faith hold fast to the biblical beliefs that God loves us and has our best interests at heart, and that God alone has perfect knowledge48 and the fullest perspective on our situations. Then we will be able to maintain our stability in the storms.With the benefit of hindsight, Joseph recognised God’s good hand upon his life over all the years, including all the times of pain and suffering that he had to go through. What Joseph had to previously hold fast by faith, now he could see clearly that God had a good and glorious purpose for the blessing of God’s people through His servant, and bringing salvation to all the nations of the earth.

---

⁴⁴ According to one survey, an average person will spend about 13 years of his life at work: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/weve-broken-down-your-entire-life-into-years-spent-doing-tasks_n_61087617e4b0999d2084fec5 ⁴⁵ Isaiah 40:21-26; 45:7-12. ⁴⁶ Isaiah 46:8-10 ⁴⁷ Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 89:19-37 ⁴⁸ Isaiah 40:12-14