I’m currently reading The Keeper by Charles Martin. Bones, one of the main characters, was sexually and physically abused as a child by priests who had been entrusted with his care. After years of imprisonment in a dark labyrinth of crypts carved beneath the church, he managed to find a way out. Each day he escaped into the light to breathe fresh air, but then chose to go back because his brother was not able to leave. He stayed because of love. When they both got out, Bones spent a lifetime rescuing others in the pit of trafficking. His brother turned to bitterness and revenge.

Contrast their story with Joseph’s from the Old Testament. Joseph’s brothers were so jealous of him they wanted to kill him. When their father sent him out to see how they were doing in the fields, they saw their chance and threw him in a dry well, until they could decide what to do. When some Ishmaelite traders on their way to Egypt came along, they saw an opportunity to save themselves the guilt of killing him personally, and make a little money on the side. So, they sold their brother.

Just as Bone’s enslavement became a source of hope for his brother and so many others, Joseph’s slavery turned out to be his salvation, and his brother’s and all of Egypt as well. However, it took twenty-two years. First, he had to endure life as a slave in a foreign land. Just as he had earned his master’s trust and favor, Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of trying to rape her and he was thrown into prison. Soon the prison warden trusted Joseph and put him in charge of the other prisoners. When two of Pharaoh’s servants ended up there, Joseph correctly interpreted their dreams. But they forgot to tell Pharaoh about him. Years passed.

Finally, Pharaoh had troubling dreams that needed interpretation and suddenly his cupbearer remembered Joseph. Still in the pit. He was lifted from prison, told Pharaoh what his dreams meant, and was soon second in command. His godly wisdom saved all of Egypt and the surrounding nations, and eventually reunited him with his family.

When we read Joseph’s story, we tend to forget the fear, misery, and loneliness he must have experienced all those years. He didn’t make it out of his pit for a long time. Many times we don’t either. But even if it takes years, our pit may one day prove to be our greatest source of hope. What looks at first like certain death of our–relationships, opportunities, or success–may lead us to reconciliation, forgiveness, and recognition.

When their dad died, Joseph’s brothers were sure he would get them back for all they’d done to him, but he showed no bitterness: “Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Gen. 50:19-21, NIV). Joseph continually chose to trust the One true God who had given him life, even in seemingly impossible situations.

Are you a captive to hope? That’s an interesting phrase in these next verses. God said to His people:

As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.
Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope;
    even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.

Zech. 9:11-12,NIV

We can be prisoners of hope because Jesus made a covenant with us by His own shed blood, promising He would never leave us in despair. He will stay with us until it’s time for our situation to change and He lifts us from the darkness. Hold onto hope until He comes for you. Cry out to Him and let Jesus comfort you there in the pain.

Beautiful words and music from Danny Gokey, “Hope in Front of Me”