One of today's most successful corporations began in 1916 as a carpenter's shop in Denmark. When the housing market collapsed during the Great Depression, the shop was converted to manufacture toys. When the wooden-toy department burned down in 1960, the company staked its future on the little interlocking plastic bricks it had been making. Today we know the company as Lego, the fifth-largest toymaker in the world, with annual sales of $1 billion.

Joseph too rose to prominence after encountering a number of calamities along the way. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers (Gen. 37:23-28), falsely accused of sexual assault and imprisoned (39:6-20), and forgotten there by a man who had promised to help him gain his release (40:6-23). In spite of all these obstacles, Joseph became second in command to Pharaoh, saved many lives (45:4-7), and freely forgave his brothers (50:19-21).

We tend to look at success and forget the difficulties and delays that preceded it. There are events we cannot control--the unfair employer, the illness or injury, the unfaithful friend. But we can choose our response.

Are you dealing with a difficult situation today? Ask God for guidance. Then leave the outcome to Him.  — David C. McCasland