God promised to care for his people. But when Joseph's brothers said a wild animal had killed Joseph, Jacob and Joseph were both put through a severe test. This appeared to go totally against God's promise. You would think that God would pay some attention to them and show some concern. But God didn't send an angel, or even so much as the leaf of a tree, to stop the devil or force him away. Instead, he opened all the doors and windows to let the devil rant and rave, attacking both the father and son in horrible ways.

God had given Jacob an important promise. In his twelve sons, Jacob had living proof that the promise would be fulfilled. Still, many problems came his way, as if he had no God and no promise. But despite all these problems, God hadn't deserted him.

We can be certain that God's promises will always remain: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Is 49.15-16).

So why do our own flesh and blood--our children and family members--cause us so many terrible problems? This is a part of God's plan. It's the way God works in the lives of his people in this world. So we desperately need wisdom that is above our natural reason. On the basis of that wisdom, we can say, "God won't lie to me or deceive me, though at times, nothing in this life will seem to make sense."

-- Martin Luther, LW 6:360