亞伯拉罕……以撒……雅各……現在來到了約瑟，他們是創世記中，族長歷史裡（信心之祖）最重要的四大人物。約瑟受寵於老父，卻遭兄長們排擠，以致被賣到埃及為奴，又受冤成為階下囚，竟遇到一個健忘的酒政，受惠不報……凡此種種，約瑟還是持守他的信念──做一個守正不阿的人──一切只不過是考驗罷了！雖然約瑟不了解何以有此遭遇，但透過這一切，上帝預備他成為一個重要的人物，實現了他童年時代的夢境。

        「噢，主啊，為什麼讓這件事發生在我身上?」
        你曾經很想問這個問題嗎？根據統計，大約每二十分鐘，就會有基督徒問「為什麼」。有趣的是：即使基督徒常問「為什麼」，上帝卻很少回答。約瑟想必也曾以他在地上的憂苦，去尋求天上的解答，雖然上帝不曾答覆約瑟所有的問題，但祂卻滿足了他全部的需求──同樣的，祂也曾應許為你這麼做（腓4：13，19），只要在你陷入深坑時，超越你的沮喪（37：24）；在淫亂的思想產生時拒絕誘惑（39：8，9）；在受冤屈或被忽視時，立定生命的目的（39：20，21），就會享有上帝的應許。
        約瑟對上帝的信心使他堅定的面對迦南的地坑，埃及的監牢和兩者之間的每一件事。你也可以培養出這樣的信心！請讀雅各書一章二至四節，然後為自己做一個小小的牌子，上面寫著：「另一個建造中的約瑟」，放在電話旁，每當電話鈴聲響起，小牌子就成了一個溫柔的提醒！

        做生意的兄弟
        從約瑟兄長們手中買下約瑟，又把他賣到埃及的以實瑪利駱駝隊商，又叫米甸人（37：28，36）。米甸和米但是亞伯拉罕第二個妻子基土拉共有的兩個兒子，後來他們成為一支遊牧民族，雖與猶太人是有血緣關係的兄弟，卻老與以色列人作對，成為世仇（士6：1）。

為人正直磊落勝過迂迴閃躲。

English

        Abraham . . . Isaac . . .Jacob . . .and now comes Joseph, the fourth major character in the Genesis account of the patriarchs (fathers of the faith). Favored by his father but alienated from his brothers, Joseph is sold into Egyptian slavery. Imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and ignored by the forgetful chief butler, Joseph finds his faith—and his integrity—sorely tested. Though Joseph doesn't realize it, through it all God is preparing him for an important role that will bring fruition to his childhood dreams.

        "God, why did you let this happen to me?"
        Have you ever felt the urge to ask that question? Why is a question Christians frequently ask—and one that God often leaves unanswered. Joseph must have been tempted often to ask for a heavenly explanation for his earthly troubles. Though God did not answer all of Joseph's questions, He did meet all of Joseph's needs (Genesis 39:21)—and He has promised to do the same for you (Philippians 4:13, 19). That means He will give you power over discouragement when you're down in the pits (37:24) ... power over temptation from lustful thoughts (39:20-21) ... purpose for living even when you're mis¬treated or ignored (39:20-21).
        Joseph's faith in God fortified him to face the pit of Canaan, the dungeon of Egypt, and everything in between. You can develop a faith like that, too! Read about it in James 1:2-4. Then make a little sign that reads, "Another Joseph Under Construction," and put it by your telephone. Then every ring can provide a comforting reminder!

        Brothers in the Business
        The members of the Ishmaelite caravan who bought Joseph from his brothers and sold him in Egypt were called Midianites (Genesis 37:28, 36). Midian and Medan were two sons of Abraham by his second wife Keturah (Genesis 25:2). From them developed a nomadic people who, though blood brothers of the Jews, became their constant enemies (Judges 6:1).

It is better to go straight than to mope in the best of circles.