I recently started reading the Bible from the beginning again, and after reading the story of Joseph, I just had to share some things that really stuck with me.
Genesis 39
Joseph was taken away as a slave into the house of an Egyptian. By human standards, his life was going downhill. But because God was with him, he became successful; even to the point of being promoted.
Verse 5 says the entire household of Potiphar was blessed just because Joseph was put in charge.
This shows how one person can shift an entire environment. One person carrying God’s favor can change the atmosphere of a whole household. Someone else’s obedience can positively affect our life.
Joseph was also extremely loyal. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, before he even mentioned not wanting to sin against God, he first talked about not wanting to betray his master’s trust and goodwill. He was a man of integrity.
And even after being falsely accused and thrown into prison, God was still with him.
In prison, Joseph was again placed in charge of everything. And just like Potiphar at the beginning, the warden had no worries because Joseph was managing it all.
This shows how important destiny is.
Joseph knew from a young age that he was meant for something greater; his dreams showed him that. He was meant to lead. And even when his circumstances didn’t look like leadership, the Lord was still with him.
By believing what God showed him, never giving up during tough times, never giving in to temptation, and never allowing pride or bitterness to take over… no matter how rough things looked, God never left him.
Genesis 40
While in prison, Joseph met servants of the king and was finally able to use his gift.
At home, his gift of dreaming wasn’t appreciated. In Potiphar’s house, he didn’t really get the chance to use it. But in prison (the last place anyone wants to be) that’s where his God-given gift made room for him.
He interpreted their dreams and was also bold enough to ask them to remember him. Not out of pride, but out of hope. “I helped you, please don’t forget me.”
And even then, he made sure to give glory to God. He clearly said interpretation belongs to Him.
Genesis 41
Two years passed after the cupbearer was released. Two whole years before he was remembered again.
Then Pharaoh had dreams no one could interpret, and suddenly Joseph was remembered. Not only did Joseph interpret the dreams, he also offered solutions. His gift was unique; he didn’t just identify the problem, he was wise enough to solve it as well.
And just like that, he received the biggest promotion imaginable. After Pharaoh, he became the most powerful man in Egypt.
If Joseph had stayed in his father’s house; this would have never happened.
It couldn’t have happened in Potiphar’s house either.
Joseph was sold at 17. He stood before Pharaoh at 30. This took thirteen years.
Just because God gives you a dream early doesn’t mean it will happen immediately. But it also doesn’t mean He isn’t working in the background.
God’s timing is different from ours.
I see Potiphar’s house and prison as his training ground. Everywhere he went, he was put in charge and he never disappointed. God was preparing him to rule a nation.
Genesis 42–44
It took about 20 years, but his dreams finally came to pass. His brothers bowed before him. They didn’t even recognize him, but he knew exactly who they were. And his heart was moved.
He tested them. He gave them difficult assignments. Not out of revenge, but to see if they had changed. And of course… he used a few tricks (I mean, it runs in the family at this point).
Genesis 45
Joseph finally revealed himself. He wept. He explained everything. And also acknowledged that his entire journey was part of God’s plan. What they meant for evil, God meant for good.
Because of everything he went through, he was able to rise to one of the highest positions and provide for his family during the famine.
Genesis 46
God even confirmed to Jacob that going to Egypt was part of His plan. The entire family moved there and lived in abundance under Joseph’s leadership.
What really stayed with me is that God is ALWAYS with us.
Joseph was a slave. God was with him. Joseph was a prisoner. God was with him.
Joseph was second in command. God was with him.
Delay doesn’t mean denial and prison doesn’t mean punishment.
Sometimes our season of captivity is preparation.
And when it’s finally your time, no one can stop what God has already decided.
Stay Blessed x
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