Joseph is a fantastic example of someone that trusted God during difficult dilemmas. He held tenaciously to his God-given and God-ordained dream. It took twenty-two years, but God brought it to pass. Joseph faithfully served God despite it all.
Received his life-altering God-sized dream at seventeen. Spent thirteen years in slavery and prison. Ruled Egypt seven years during the good times. Ruled Egypt for two years in famine. Then his brothers came and bowed down to him (Genesis 42:6; 43:26).
Through it all he kept his primary focus on God and not on his circumstances. Whether in the pit, Potiphar’s house, or prison, he always lifted up his eyes to God:
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalms 121:1-2).
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1).
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
He refused to focus on his afflictions, trials, or problems. And God allowed him to advance in adversity.
“And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52).
He was totally convinced that God was in control (Genesis 50:20). God was sovereign. In everything, he understood that God did so-very-reign (sovereign).
God gave him a dream. We misguidedly muse there will be an instantaneous and unobstructed path from promise to performance. That seldom, if ever happens. Instead, the way is seemingly disorderly yet divinely directed with twists and turns. The seeming delay is hard for us to understand in our microwave society of instant gratification and answers. At times, God allows us to pass through slow cooker situations. He keeps us over the fire perfecting us. We will come forth as gold. Like, Joseph, the Lord can give us success in whatever we do, whatever, whenever, and wherever He leads us.
Joseph remembered, and you should, too, that a God-given dream placed in a dedicated heart is destined to come to pass. You see dreams don’t die in darkness, that’s where they are developed, and their fulfillment will undoubtedly come to light.
James Poitras 