God preserves you throughout life to ensure your purpose is fulfilled.
Joseph’s brothers wanted to kill him but Judah suggested be should be sold to the Ishmaelites instead (Gen.37:26-28). Although selling him was not the best thing, it was better than killing him.
God needed Joseph to be preserved and therefore it was necessary to have him alive. Judah determined his purpose this day when be allowed himself to be used by God to preserve the life of Joseph and God blessed him for that. It was said of him that the sceptre will not depart from his household.
What others try to confer on you does not define your purpose.
In Exodus 21:32, we read Joseph’s brothers sold him for 20pieces although a slave was worth 30 pieces of silver. That is how much his brothers hated him and counted him worthless.
Some people may decide to tag you with something negative or put a price on you claiming you cannot achieve anything in life. Do not allow that which they tag you with to define you and inform your way of life. Joseph did not allow what his brothers did to bother him. When he got to the house of Potiphar he proved he was more than a slave by his wisdom, integrity and intelligence.
When God’s hand is upon you, he will cause people to see the qualities that are inside you if you yourself do not decide to bury them.
When that happens you will be presented with opportunities that will help build you up.
Joseph understood from his dreams that he was going to be a great person and wherever he found himself he made sure the good qualities in him showed forth. When Potiphar noticed this about Joseph, he entrusted everything into Joseph’s hands knowing that all his things were safe with him.
You should not hide what is inside of you. Right from the word go, you could make people aware of the things you are able to do and God will always bring people your way to help train and mentor you. That is exactly what God did for Joseph. Joseph was given bigger opportunities and responsibilities. He learnt administrative skills in Potiphar’s house which he wouldn’t have learnt if he were in his father’s house.
The fact that God has destined/ purposed for you to be someone great does not mean you will find yourself there right from the beginning.
It doesn’t mean that as soon as you receive a prophesy it takes effect. The vision is for an appointed time. At the right time it will not tarry, it shall come to pass. Until then you need to be prepared to serve under people.
God caused Joseph to meet Pharoah’s chief butler and chief baker in prison so he could learn some things that are necessary for palace life. Do not waste opportunities that come your way to learn from the people you find yourself serving. Seek to make the most of such opportunities when they come your way. There are times when you may find yourself doing something very menial while serving others. Do it whole-heartedly regardless, for it is in serving that you get to learn.
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In seeking to pursue your purpose, be careful about distractions and short-cuts.
Joseph could have seen the move of Potiphar’s wife as an opportunity to overthrow Potiphar but he was too full of purpose for that. He feared God and knew he was destined for greatness. Joseph only wanted what God wanted him to have. We should be mindful of distractions because they are capable of cutting short what God has destined for our lives.
You do not need to promote/ sell yourself for you to have your dream come to pass. Your works will speak for you and God Himself will speak for you.
When Joseph had the chance to go before Pharaoh to interpret his dream, he did not take advantage of the opportunity to promote himself even though he knew exactly what needed to be done (Gen.41:33). Pharaoh could tell for himself that Joseph was as a suitable fit for that position (Gen.41:39-46).
God can change your situation in one day. He can cause His plans for your life to be fruitful in one day. There is nothing too hard for God to do.
When God’s favour is upon you, things will keep coming to you without you fighting for them. God will lift you up and place you where you deserve to be at the right time. You will come to understand that your waiting period was worth it. The Lord makes all things beautiful in his time. He made Joseph to see his father again and reunite with his siblings later in life.
Joseph realised in the end that his purpose was not just in the leadership position but that through his leadership position in Egypt, God used him to save the children of Israel and to preserve their lives in the time of the famine. Amazing God!!!
Declaration
God’s purpose for your life is for an appointed time. You may not understand why you are where you are today but be rest assured that your time is coming. While you await the manifestation of your purpose, take advantage of every opportunity you get to serve and learn from the people God brings your way.
Author: Rev Dr Mrs Agatha Aboe
