God is a good God. He never leaves us and He never forsakes us. But sometimes it takes time for us to realize that. When Joseph was thrown into the pit by his brothers, he may have found it difficult to see the hand of God. Then after six years in Pharaoh’s Court, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison.  He may have found it difficult to see the faithfulness of God. But after he was elevated to Prime Minister of the land and was then able to provide food for his father and his brothers, he could see the awesome wisdom and faithfulness of God.  His ending was so different to the journey, but He had to wait a while. Servant in six years, prime minister in 20! Perhaps the bigger the influence you will have, the bigger the time you need in God’s preparation.

It may only be days, or it might be many years before you realize that God has been completely faithful. But He will be. He can only be Himself; a faithful God. You haven’t seen the end of the story.

Jonah, God has not finished with you yet. You may still feel imprisoned in the belly of the fish you can’t control, but He will get you to the right place in the end.

Jeremiah, you may still be locked up in prison. But one day you will realize that while you were locked “safely” in prison, many others walking free outside in Jerusalem were being killed.

Ruth, it looks like you have lost, your land, your husband, your sister and your future, but you don’t yet have enough perspective. God is arranging the best future for you. A husband, a redeemer, a place, a family and an heir. Give it time.

Friend, if you can’t look back and see that God is faithfully working all things together for your good, keep looking for a while yet.