We’ve all heard, “Hindsight is always 20/20.” During moments of reflection, particularly during stressful times, relationship difficulties, or frustration, I often think, “If I knew then what I know now...” My mind then fills with all the things I would have done differently and what I would have avoided. However, the last time this happened, a clear thought from God came to my mind, “But then, you may have missed out on the best possible experiences in your life. My process of saving you, my process of sanctifying you—exactly what you are going through right now is better than what you would have chosen for yourself. You may have chosen an easier route to seemingly avoid a little pain, but ultimately it would have led to your ruin.” This thought shocked me. “Lord, I didn’t want to hear that! This is uncomfortable! What I am going through now is hard, and I don’t like it!”
No one ever claimed that following Christ would be easy. We are admonished to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3 KJV) and to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12 KJV). While we can expect many trials, difficulties, and hardships, I often remind myself of Romans 8:28 (KJV), “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Many of the same afflictions we face are also experienced by others in the world (1 Peter 5:9). So take heart; you are not alone. God is working a plan that is better than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Think about Joseph in the Bible. Genesis 37 starts a tragic story of sibling cruelty. I can't fathom how evil a group of brothers could be to hatch a plan to ruin one of their own. Yet, Joseph’s brothers did just that. Out of jealousy, they hatched an elaborate scheme to convince their father that Joseph was dead. He was thrown into a pit, then bought by merchantmen and sold as a slave in Egypt. He found himself in Potiphar’s house, where Potiphar was an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. He was seduced by Potiphar’s wife, which led to his unjust imprisonment, even though he was innocent. While in prison, he gained favor and was entrusted with overseeing all the other prisoners.
The Scriptures say that despite all these apparent misfortunes, the Lord was with Joseph and prospered him (Genesis 39:23). Through a series of events, Joseph was eventually promoted to prime minister in Pharaoh’s court. His rise was due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams, which he demonstrated for Pharaoh. During the famine, which he accurately predicted from Pharaoh’s dream, he faced the wicked brothers who had previously tried to destroy him. They reconciled peacefully as a family, and Joseph became a savior for his family during the famine.
In light of all that transpired in Joseph’s life, his “hindsight” moment was very different from mine. Joseph says in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” It seems he had no regrets. Joseph discovered a vital life lesson during difficult times: to trust in God and believe in His control. He held onto his faith and integrity. When we trust God, we can keep progressing even amid confusion, and He can transform every situation for our benefit. Ultimately, all the “hindsight we need is to trust in God, who truly works everything together for our good.
Call to Action
“God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as coworkers with Him."1
Will you pray to the Lord for a more trusting heart so you can fully trust Him in all circumstances? He is faithful to do what is best.
- Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1898), 224.
