Preparation Before Promise: Part 2

So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Gen 41:14

In continuation of “Preparation Before Promise,” the Lord showed me something in Gen. 41:14. The Bible says, "Pharaoh sent for Joseph and he was quickly brought from the dungeon." Many times, we try to help God get us to the place of promise. We try to make things happen and only end up frustrating ourselves. Gen. 40:23 says, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” Joseph had to sit in that situation for another two years. However, when it was time for God’s word to come to pass, the bible says Pharaoh sent for him. Joseph didn’t have to con his way out. He didn’t have to manipulate or force his way into destiny. But the Lord, in His perfect timing, caused Joseph to be remembered.

Joseph learned many things in the time of preparation. I believe the following concepts are essential to waiting on God’s promises to manifest in our lives.

Faith in God’s Timing – If anyone knew what it meant to wait upon God, it was Joseph. He was

given a promise as a teen and didn’t walk in that promise until age thirty. He went through various delays and detours. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. Sold into slavery by his own flesh and blood, thrown into prison unjustly, and seemingly forgotten. Surely this wasn’t the way God wanted to fulfill His promise. I’m reminded of how God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, not the shorter, easier route. He knew they were not ready (Ex. 13:17-18). So God did the same with Joseph and He’s doing the same with many of us. Does it seem like you’re taking the longer route in life? The more rigorous journey to purpose? If so, be encouraged because God is in control.

Forgiveness – Throughout Joseph’s time of preparation, he was betrayed, lied on, and forgotten about by people with whom he had relationships. He had to learn to forgive and forget. Joseph had to learn to bless those who cursed him, and pray for those who spitefully used him (Luke 6:28). How many of us are still trying to get this right? In the place of purpose, there’s no room for unforgiveness and malice. As we see in Joseph’s life story, God used him greatly to help many people, even those who had betrayed him. How can God use you to genuinely help people if you are holding grudges and malicing them in your heart?

Learn the lessons that God is trying to teach you in your preparation time. You will get to the place of purpose. When you get there is up to you. Stop complaining, ask God what He wants you to learn, and trust that He will bring you out at the right time. Don’t waste your time. The bible says we should walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-16). Be encouraged as God continues to prepare you for your purpose.

Blessings,

A.M.

Preparation Before Promise: Part 1

But Joseph dreamed yet another dream and told it to his brothers [also]. He said, See here, I have dreamed again, and behold, [this time not only] eleven stars [but also] the sun and the moon bowed down and did reverence to me! Gen. 37:9

What an exciting and fulfilling experience it is for God Himself to reveal His purpose for you. It’s a beautiful thing to receive a Word from the Lord. The God of the universe has zeroed in on you to speak to you about His plans for your life. What a blessing! I believe that many of God’s people are in a place where they have received a promise from God, but are in a season of preparation. Or as we like to sometimes call it, “the process.” I believe within that process, there is preparation taking place. In the time of preparation God is building your character and developing your trust in Him. He’s not a God who would set you up to fail. That’s why before He brings you to the place of promise, He has to straighten out the kinks in your character that would cause you to blow it.

There are a few things that Joseph had to learn as a young man before he came into what God had prepared for Him.

1. Humility – As we see in Genesis 37:3, Joseph was loved more than his brothers and he knew it. Their father Jacob treated him as the favorite. In verse 2, the bible says while he was shepherding the flock with his brothers, he brought his father a bad report of them. He was a tattle-tale. Sometimes, we need to learn to cover other people in love and not point out their flaws as if we have none. In verses 13 & 14 we see his father send him to check on his brothers as they were shepherding the flock in Shechem. Why wasn’t Joseph with them already? He was an able-bodied young man; surely he could work. He was spoiled. God gave him 2 dreams about what He had planned for Joseph. In verses 6 & 7, we see Joseph telling his dream to his brothers who hated him. In verse 8, we see their reaction was less than favorable. So why in verse 9 would he brag about having another dream about God’s awesome plan for his life? This young man was the crème of the crop in that family and he knew it. However, he needed to learn humility before God could raise him up. We see this as he went from the favored, spoiled son to a slave and prisoner. What are the areas of your life where you see God is humbling you? Teaching you how to serve rather than be served…learning to submit to authority rather than others submitting to you. A good leader must first be a good follower.
    
2. 
   Reliance on God – As a young man, Joseph was accustomed to being favored by his father, Jacob. But now we see in Genesis 39, Joseph learning to rely on the favor of his Heavenly Father. Joseph prospered in all that he did because the Lord was with him. Joseph had to understand that it was God who kept and provided for him. It was God who blessed him and had a purpose for his life. It was the hand of God on his life that caused him to be favored by Potiphar and the keeper of the prison. Despite of his struggles, he had to learn that God was with him. He had to trust God to bring him to the place of promise despite of what he saw and endured, just as you should. The bible says that “God watches over his word to perform it” (Jer. 1:12). He’s watching over your situation to make sure His word comes to pass.

I believe Joseph went through the process that many of us are going through right now. Be encouraged as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in and around you. Remember, it’s God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Embrace this time and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you in your circumstances. Humble yourself under the Mighty Hand of God that He may exalt you in due season, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Stay Encouraged,

A.M.