Unravel Hidden PotentialSýnishorn

Journey with God

Life was good for Joseph − handsome, young, favored by his father, envied by his brothers, and given dreams of greatness by his God.

Did Joseph wonder how he would attain that position of leadership and authority? Did he presume he could make it, just like that? Joseph might not have fully understood that the dream was from God.

God took him on a journey of preparation that lasted thirteen years.

Joseph was thrown into the pit and then was sold. God humbled him into becoming a slave. In Potiphar’s home, he learned to manage all his master’s affairs. He was tested for his integrity and purity by Potiphar’s wife. Unfairly accused and sent to prison, he endured injustice and learned patience, even as he took the responsibility for managing the facility. In each situation, Joseph was a blessing (vv 4, 22), for the Lord was with him. (vv 2, 5, 21, 23)

At thirty, Joseph found himself in front of Pharaoh, fully tested, trained, and equipped to govern the nation of Egypt through seven years of famine, which was also the cause for his family to come and submit to him (Gen 42:6). The dream was fulfilled.

It is hard to visualize how our dreams and ambitions will be fulfilled. In our difficult moments, we feel that God has abandoned us. When things don’t work out, we complain. God wants us to see things differently. Whatever our circumstances, He wants us to reflect His character, be industrious, live lives of purity and integrity, showing humility and patience at all times. It’s then that God is able to use us to our greatest potential.

Personally, I have struggled to find a job and had to live with the unfair loss of it. I have survived company shutdowns and uncomplainingly taken on roles I was ill-equipped for. I have experienced the loneliness of living away from home and family, and quietly accepted salary cuts in difficult times. At every stage, it turned out for the better. In all of this, I can confidently say, God was with me.

Dear Lord, let not my circumstances define who I am. Thank You for reassuring me that You are working out the best for me, through my circumstances. Amen