Life doesn't always turn out as we expected--actually, it hardly ever does! When you get used to the new reality, something will happen unexpectedly. 

How do you handle disappointments? What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? What do you do when things aren't working out how you thought they would?

How do you keep standing when the rug is pulled out from under you, and your world is falling apart? What can we learn from the life of Joseph that we can personally apply to our lives?

I have thought over Joseph's life so much. If anyone had the right to consider himself a victim, it was Joseph. Why didn't Joseph develop a victim mentality? How could he face so much change and disruption that would last for over 13 years with the right attitude?

I have preached much from his life, but the Holy Spirit has been working in me about him today. I doubt anyone has suffered more. 

His family abused him, beating him up, throwing him in a pit, and selling him as a slave, even though he cried out begging for mercy. 

He probably walked in chains for over 300 miles to be sold as a slave in Egypt. I wonder if he suffered any abuse as a slave. Did they curse, knock him around, or do even worse things to him?

He was put on the slave auction block and sold like a common commodity after being the favorite pampered son of a rich man. 

He still worked hard and did a good job. He prospered and caused all around him to prosper. 

Then he was falsely accused of sexual assault. He ended up in prison, yet he kept an excellent attitude. He did his job and was soon running the prison. 

About 11 years into this journey that started when he was only 17, Joseph is still not a victim. He still doesn't have a victim mentality. 

He interprets two dreams with the promise that when the dream comes true, he will not be forgotten, but he is immediately forgotten for another two years. 

How did Joseph do it? How did he hold such a strong testimony? How did he remain faithful with such a good attitude for over 13 years? He continues strong.

I have faced many upsets and problems over the years. I have had horrible "poor me" attitudes. I have not always kept a good attitude. I have played the victim mentality game. 

So today, as I sat here meditating, I wondered what Joseph did, and I considered the following:

God had made great promises to Abraham. He had reiterated the promises many times. I believe Joseph must have grown up knowing that God would never leave or forsake him. 

God had taught his people not to fear the enemy or the problem but to believe the promise. God would fulfill His purposes with His people and bring them home. 

I think that Joseph believed God. Joseph stayed focused on God and His purpose in his life. I have too often dived into self-pity. I have focused on myself and my problem.

Today the Holy Spirit has helped me look to the Scriptures and see my sin. I want to please God. I will not be a victim. I will not whine. I will trust God. Have you ever had problems like this in your life?