1/10 Thoughts and Prayer

After reading Genesis chapters 36-40...

Joseph from Genesis never fails to amaze me. I've always thought Joseph's training started after God showed him his dreams/vision and got separated from his family. But God has always put Joseph in positions where his leadership skills can grow. Joseph was hard-working and very honest even when working with his brothers (which isn't easy to do; you usually get laid back when you work with people you're comfortable with). He wasn't a slacker and had to do everything wholeheartedly. He wasn't afraid to tell the truth even when there may be negative consequences.

"These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father." Genesis 37:2

 

When God shows Joseph his future vision through two dreams (Genesis 37:5-11), this reminded me of what Joseph told the Pharaoh when interpreting his dreams about what's to happen in the future.

"And the doubling of Pharaoh's dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about." Genesis 41:32

 

The reason why Joseph could endure the 13 years of slavery and prison is because he believed God would for certain fulfill these dreams. He knew that the "doubling" of his own dreams meant "that the thing is fixed by God." Joseph wasn't afraid of changes and situations. He was traumaless and grudgeless of what happened. He had hope in the future even though there was nothing he could find hope in. He trusted God over his situations and everything else.

"And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt." Genesis 45:7-8

 

I want to say the same thing about what's going on right now. It wasn't anyone else's fault. It was God and I'm just part of his big plans. I don't want to be scarred or be wounded from whatever is going on. Whatever happens, I want to continue to believe whatever You give me is the best gift for me, ever.

People may have called Joseph a servant and slave, but he didn't see himself in that light. He knew he was more than a conqueror. People may have judged me but I'm not going to let that be my identity. I'm not going to let my situation identify me. I'm more than a conqueror and I have nothing to fear because I know I've worked hard. God knows I've worked hard. This fact alone gives me so much strength!

Lord, thank You for giving me this situation and for these changes.