"Don't ask God for blessings that you
may not be ready for..."
These words have echoed in my mind like a broken record lately. Lately I have found myself repeating these words, because trying to stay in my lane and not move ahead of God's timing on certain things has been a struggle. My college graduation is soon approaching and I am anticipating what will happen post-graduation. Where will I be? What will I be doing? etc.
For the past four years I have clearly seen how God has "networked" for me; opportunities and blessings have come when I simply have stayed "still." Yes, by God's grace I am sure I played a small role in those blessings, but ultimately it was God. I can't dispute or argue against that. I always say that God networking is 10 times more effective than the networking we could do; however we can't automatically assume that God has "got us," while we throw our faithfulness, commitment, and reverence for Him out the window.
The story of Joseph has always been one of my favorite stories in the Bible. In Genesis 37:5, Joseph has his first dream revealing that he would one day reign or rule over many, including his family. This is a lofty dream for a 17 year old boy at the time, especially a boy who tended over his father's flock, and not to mention his family would be considered as foreigners. To no surprise, his dream came along with doubt (from his father) and anger (from his brothers).
Later in Chapter 37, Joseph brothers plotted to sell him in slavery to Egypt, and convince their father that Joseph had been killed by an animal. In chapter 39 Joseph, was purchased by Potiphar, captain of the guard to Pharaoh (also known as, the king of Egypt). Genesis 39:2 says, "The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master." It was so obvious that God was with Joseph that even Potiphar himself realized it, and soon made Joseph his personal attendant. As a result, the Bible says that the Lord began to bless Potiphar's household for Joseph's sake.
However, there is more drama to the story. Potiphar's wife began to look lustfully at Joseph and demands him to sleep with her. Ultimately Potiphar's wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted her temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. Notice he didn't say that it would be a sin against Potiphar, himself, or Potiphar's wife, ultimately it would be a sin against God. Instead of Joseph's integrity convicting Potiphar's wife it only angered her and she falsely accused Joseph of attempting to rape her. As a result Joseph was wrongly thrown into prison, BUT Genesis 39:21 says, "But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love." God was ultimately in control.
If we proceed to Genesis chapter 40 Joseph meets two prisoners in prison and interprets dreams that both prisoners had. Essentially, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams and in vs. 14 asked one of the prisoners that when he get's his old job back to mention his name to Pharaoh, so he might let Joseph out of prison. However, in verse 23, we see that the ex-prisoner. forgot all about Joseph, never giving him a thought.
It wasn't until TWO YEARS when Joseph was recognized for his skill of interpreting dreams. It wasn't recognized until Pharaoh himself needed his dream interpreted. Joseph's skill wasn't recognized until God said it was time to be recognized.
The story continues, but there is an amazing example of God's timing and sovereignty. When Joseph was a teenage his dream was revealed to him. God revealed that dream to Joseph; it wasn't a coincidence. It's interesting how the dream was shown to him, but God never revealed the timing for when the dream was going to take place. Throughout Joseph's life God was continually with him, even in lower job descriptions and low circumstances, Joseph was able to flourish by the grace of God.
One thing I find amazing through this story is that Joseph's skill of interpreting dreams had to be first used for prisoners in prison before it could be used for a king in his kingdom. Ultimately his skill further gave credibility to his dream. Joseph eventually became a ruler over many and finally reconciled with his brothers, but I can't help to believe that God was preparing Joseph for his dream. I am pretty sure Joseph matured over the years or gained insight over the years that would allow him to be effective as a ruler.
So why is this story relevant? There may be some people who are just ready to graduate right now and dive into careers. There may be some people who have held on for a dream for a very long time and just are not sure when it will happen. There may be some of us that has an amazing talent or skill that hasn't been recognized yet. Remember that God's timing is different from our timing. Honor Him, and watch Him make your dreams become a reality.
One thing I find amazing through this story is that Joseph's skill of interpreting dreams had to be first used for prisoners in prison before it could be used for a king in his kingdom. Ultimately his skill further gave credibility to his dream. Joseph eventually became a ruler over many and finally reconciled with his brothers, but I can't help to believe that God was preparing Joseph for his dream. I am pretty sure Joseph matured over the years or gained insight over the years that would allow him to be effective as a ruler.
So why is this story relevant? There may be some people who are just ready to graduate right now and dive into careers. There may be some people who have held on for a dream for a very long time and just are not sure when it will happen. There may be some of us that has an amazing talent or skill that hasn't been recognized yet. Remember that God's timing is different from our timing. Honor Him, and watch Him make your dreams become a reality.
"You can make plans,but the Lord's purpose will prevail."-- Proverbs 19:21
