Let it not seem hard to you that ye sold me hither, for God sent me before you for life

Why do hard things happen to us? Often, we can know only this: “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The meeting of Joseph with his brothers (read Wednesday of the sixth week of great Lent during Vespers) shows this perfectly. Do we believe this, or do we not believe this? “And Joseph said to his brethren, Draw nigh to me; and they drew nigh; and he said, I am your brother Joseph, whom ye sold into Egypt. 5. Now then be not grieved and let it not seem hard to you that ye sold me hither, for God sent me before you for life.”