Part 2

From the Pit, to Potiphar, to Prison, to Pharaoh, to the Pinnacle

How can this be? A question of pain and sorrow which doesn’t have a ready answer. The revelation of God’s will for Joseph’s life left him with pain and suffering. To stand during these times of sorrow caused him to hold fast to his faith. He knew God, against whom he couldn’t sin, held his life in His hands. To whom could he turn? His brother hated him. Potiphar unjustly threw him in prison. Lied on, rebuked, denied right to a fair hearing, he languished there. Joseph could have asked God the same question he asked his brothers, why have You done this thing to me. Your perfect will Oh God how heavy it weighs on me.

In prison God’s favor was continuously at work for Joseph. Responsibility and authority were given to him by those who ruled. His administrative skills, which benefited the prison and all therein, flourished within those prison walls. Everything under his command prospered. God’s gifts and anointing remained. They were required for the responsibilities placed in his hands. Without bitterness Joseph remained faithful to God without hurling accusations. He could have said “Did you not promise me I would be in authority where others would bow to me, my parents, and my brothers. Yet Here I am in prison. Again, under the rule and dominion of another authority.” In all this Joseph remained righteous, faithful, steadfast, unmovable. There must have been times when he thought he might be fated to remain in the prison dungeon. With unwavering faith, he held fast to his trust and confidence. He had a God to glorify. One he determined against whom he would not sin.

The plight of two prisoners (the butler and the baker) were used for his deliverance from prison. Both had dreams which they couldn’t interpret, which Joseph interpreted. He requested both to remember him when they again come before Pharaoh. Finally, the God ordained opportunity manifested. The ruler of Egypt had a dream which no one could interpret. It was only then the butler remembered the young man in prison who interpreted dreams. Shaved and washed Joseph was brought before the ruler of Egypt. “I had a dream no one could interpret. It was told to me you are an interpreter of dreams.” Spoke Pharaoh. “God is the One who gives interpretations. I can’t. He will give Pharoah the interpretation” was Joseph’s answer. The dream was made known as such. There are seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Egypt will suffer greatly during the famine. Solutions and strategies of preparation for these years were made known to Pharoah by “the prisoner” standing before him. Recognizing the young man’s great abilities and wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him to oversee all necessary preparations. Set over all the land, Joseph became second in command of all of Egypt.  

God didn’t say His perfect will was always conducive to our agreement, and of the way we think. Many times, His plans cause a seemingly heavy load for our shoulders. We feel crushed beneath it. Yet we must trust Him. For He knew the plans He set in place for us before the foundations of the world were set in place. Plans to prosper, not to harm us, give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11). The outcome of our future and destiny is dependent on Him and His plans. We must trust beyond our understanding regarding the situations and circumstances which prevail in our lives. There are instances when being broken is the Lord’s plans for our lives. For our light affliction is only for a moment. (II Corinthians 4:17)

When you walk in God’s favor where you are placed, or your location doesn’t stop or block the necessary actions for your prosperity. Your location is not a challenge. He knows where you are because you were placed there by Him. Wherever you find yourself you’ll find Him with you. That which is ordained will be carried out by divine plans. Be not dismayed at the circumstances in your life when it seems they’re contradictions to God’s promises. Be not dismayed whatever may occur. He watches over His word (promise) to perform it. Our responsibility is to trust. Has He not spoken it and shall He not do it?

 Joseph languished in prison two years more after interpreting the baker’s and butler’s dreams. Yet he didn’t give up hope. Trust is essential when we are confronted with the element of time. Especially when it seems it’s taking longer than what we desire. Like faith, time must have its perfect work. Never fear you’re not forgotten. How could you be when the trial was designed for your good. Never will God forget what He starts and finishes. Better is the end of a thing than the beginning. (Ecclesiastes 7:8a). God’s timing prevails and is crucial to His plans.

Yes, the dreams given to Joseph regarding his future came to pass. Yes, many bowed their knees to him including his brothers. The ones who put in the pit, then sold him into slavery. Through all Joseph’s suffering God remained faithful to that which He had spoken. Rejoice. The promises spoken by our Lord shall come to pass. Be not weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. (Galatians 6:9) It was in the fullness of time Mary brought forth her first born child, Jesus. Wait on the Lord. Wait I say on the Lord.