Why does God do things we don't understand?
God does things we cannot understand because He works according to His sovereign plan and His own will, not human understanding. Joseph's suffering and exaltation served God's purpose to preserve his family during famine. Even when His ways are hidden, His providence prepares and accomplishes His purposes.
Les explains that Joseph's story illustrates God's sovereign control. Joseph told his brothers not to be grieved or angry that they sold him into Egypt, because God had sent him ahead of them to preserve them. Much of what Joseph experienced was miserable, but it was all in God's sovereign plan. Les notes that there are many things God does that we cannot understand, yet He does things in His own way, according to His own will. Had Joseph not been in Egypt, the twelve sons could have died in the famine, but God in His providence had prepared everything. The unit also points to Israel's future reunion with Christ, when they will look on the one they pierced and mourn, and know He is their God.