Most people if not everyone has a desire for success in life. I tend to think that God built it into us because he desires that we have success. Probably very few actually achieve their dreams. As I sat to write I was reminded of a young man who had phenomenal success and rose to great heights and I looked again at his story Genesis 35-45. This is the journey of Joseph.
Recently our nephew shared the starring role of Joseph in the Nelson Youth Theatre's musical of the well known Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours. A story of favouritism, prophetic dreams, jealousy, betrayal, lies, imprisonment, famine, and ultimate honour.
I love this story of Joseph because it shows me just how much attitude determines what kind of life we lead. Joseph's older brothers (from another mother) were jealous of Joseph and when he had a dream and (probably unwisely) shared it with them, they became angry. Their father had showed his favouritism by giving Joseph a wonderful many-coloured coat, so in their jealousy they plotted to get rid of him. This resulted them selling Joseph off to passing slave traders who took him to Egypt. They then splattered his beautiful coat with animal blood and told their father that Joseph had probably been killed by a wild animal.
In Egypt Joseph was bought by Potiphar who was a military man in Pharoah's army. God had plans for this young man but they wouldn't come about without much testing of Joseph's character. Because of Joseph, God prospered the household where Joseph served. Very soon Joseph found himself in charge of Potiphar's whole household and land. But trouble was brewing.
Potiphar's wife had an eye for this handsome young man and made a play for him. Joseph was determined not to play her game and refused her advances. He wanted to be faithful to his master who had put so much trust in him. This made her so angry that she lied about Joseph saying that he had tried to seduce her. Joseph was immediately shipped off to prison where the king's servants went when they fell out of favour.
Amazingly even in prison it seems that Joseph kept a good attitude which gained him favour with the prison guard who put him in charge of everything. God had a plan and even in the prison His plan was being worked out. His presence was with Joseph who continued to serve well, and so he prospered. He just got on with life. I believe he had a heart to serve the God who had given him an impossible dream of leadership. He believed his dream.
How difficult it is to hold onto hope when there is no obvious hope on the horizon. Eventually Joseph was asked to interpret dreams for the king's cupbearer and the king's baker who were in prison with him. The dreams were fulfilled exactly as Joseph had predicted, but another 2 years had to pass before God was ready to send Joseph on the ride of his life.
Do you have a dream which seems impossible? Have you become discouraged, disillusioned, disheartened? Has life taken a turn for the worse? God had a mission for Joseph which required great preparation, and with God's grace Joseph kept his attitude right. He waited patiently and suddenly overnight he shot to the second highest rank in the land. Impossible? Not for God.
However, a few years down the track Joseph's attitude would be tested again.....next time.....
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. " Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer: Lord God, help me to remember that no what happens to me it is part of your purpose to develop my character. Help me to keep an attitude that will honour Jesus Christ and enable you to bless me as you did Joseph. Amen
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