Joseph's trial reminds us that God's purposes are often being worked out even when present circumstances seem confusing, painful, or completely contrary to what He has promised. Joseph's brethren hated him without cause, deceived their father, and sold him into Egypt, yet the very evil they meant against him became the means God used to fulfill His plan. We learn that we must be careful not to judge others wrongly, deceive those who trust us, or become defeated by what only appears to be hopeless. Therefore, we must trust God's providence, even when the way seems downward, knowing that He can bring good out of evil and accomplish His will in ways we could never have imagined.