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Joseph experienced a mixed bag of human relations within his family – on the one hand, extraordinary affection from his father, on the other hand, contempt and criticism from his older brothers. Looking back at what has happened so far (and looking ahead at the disturbing story of Judah and Tamar recorded in Genesis 38), it is fair to say that we are dealing with a somewhat dysfunctional family.
But now, things were coming to a head, with Joseph’s brothers conspiring to kill him. Thanks to the intervention of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, Joseph’s life was spared. Nevertheless, his existence reached a low point: his brothers stripped him of his beautiful robe, and then “they took him and threw him into a pit” (Genesis 37:24a).
Joseph, who had a dream indicating that one day his brothers would bow to him, was now positioned far below his brothers – quite literally, since he was in a pit, while his brothers were sitting above him, on the ground, enjoying a meal (Genesis 37:25). Then his brothers sold him to the Midianites, who in turn sold him to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Instead of being in a position of honor and authority, Joseph became a slave. And, to make matters worse, a slave in a foreign country, far away from home.
Joseph is not the only hero in the Bible who had to undergo a period of trials and severe testing before they reach their God-given destiny. Think about how much Moses and David had to endure before they could become leaders of God’s people and do mighty things for him. Maybe you also feel like this at times —that you are in a period of waiting. If so, take courage and be patient. This may be God’s way of preparing you for greater things that will soon become a reality.
• Reflection: How would you describe the season of life you are currently in? Is it a time of waiting, of preparation? If so, what may God want to teach you during this time?
• Prayer: Pray that God would mold you and prepare you for a future task in His kingdom and that you would grow in humility. For “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6b/Proverbs 3:34).
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About this Plan
It’s easy to give up on one’s dreams. It’s one thing to start with a great dream or with an inspiring vision. But then life happens, and life has a way of attacking, hindering and sometimes even destroying our dreams. In the face of adversity, it is crucial to hold on to what God has promised –and to be inspired by biblical role models like Joseph, who never gave up.
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