The story of Joseph illustrates the way the Lord watches over us and looks to our eternal happiness. Joseph endured hardships throughout his life - the jealousy of his brothers, being sold into slavery, being thrown into prison - but the Lord was with Joseph at all times, bringing good out of all that happened. Joseph looked to the Lord and trusted in Him, so the Lord was able to help him prosper despite the evil actions of those around him.

The Lord our Heavenly Father wants nothing more than to keep us safe from evil and falsity. But He also treasures our freedom to choose between good and evil, and the way we choose to live affects the extent to which the Lord can protect us. One reason that evil is permitted is so that we can recognize it and reject it.When we are following the Lord, we may be challenged by people around us or by the evil spirits in hell, who want to turn us away from our Father. As we strive to reject what is evil and love what is good, the Lord bends things to good ends, leading us ever closer to the spiritual happiness of heaven. Sometimes evil appears to be victorious in the natural world. Yet the Lord assures us that our spirit is always under His protection.

To learn more about the story of Joseph and its meaning in our lives, see Quotes from the Word, Family Projects and Activities, a sermon on "The Lord's Providence" by Rev. Peter Buss, Jr., and a family talk on "Joseph in Prison" by Rev. Frederick Schnarr. We are offering eight Sunday School lessons this month, suggestions for dramatizing the story of Joseph, a Storyline activity, an activity for teens called "God Meant It for Good," and a song about "Joseph's Coat" (MP3 file). We hope this month's website will help you to trust in the Lord's leading so that He may bring good to you and to others through you.