Lessons from The Life of Joseph (part 1 of 5)

For a while I have wanted to write a series of lessons learned from the life of Joseph.  Whenever I read about Joseph's life, I am reminded of Romans 8:28. "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, who are called according to God's purpose."

Joseph was a godly man. He was called according to God's purpose. Joseph endured trails, temptations, and sufferings. But God let these things work together for Joseph's good. Every situation, good or bad, played a part in God's will being done in his life. Though Joseph endured hard times, he also enjoyed blessed times.

(READ GENESIS 37:3-4)

Joseph was Jacob's eleventh son, born to him in old age. Joseph was Rachel's firstborn son; and Rachel was Jacob's best-loved wife. I believe these might have been a few reasons why Joseph was Jacob's favorite son.

As we've read, Joseph's father gave him an ornamented coat, also known as the coat of many colors. This coat represented favoritism and honor with his father. Because of his father's partiality, Joseph's brothers hated him and were mean to him.

(READ GENESIS 37:5-11)

Joseph had dreams -- dreams God gave to him...dreams about his future. Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing for Joseph to share his dreams with the ones who hated him; but out of this event we see a great quality Joseph possessed: FAITH. He took his dreams seriously and had faith that God would help his dreams become reality. Even when circumstances seemed like they would stand in his way, Joseph believed in God. Even when others doubted, Joseph kept the faith this his dreams would come to pass.

(READ GENESIS 37:12-36)

Joseph's brothers tried to put an end to him. But God did not say that it was the end for Joseph. Everything that happened here; from Dothan to the pit, from the pit to the merchants, from the merchants to Potiphar; everything played a part in God's plan for Joseph.

Not once is it recorded in these Scriptures that Joseph complained to God or gave up on his dreams or his life. I don't believe Joseph gave up at all. He could have. He certainly had the circumstances that could've easily made him lose hope. But through all of this Joseph hoped in God. I believe he still kept the faith in God to bring his dreams to pass.

Do you have dreams that God has placed in your heart? If you do, be like Joseph. No matter how impossible it seems for your dreams to become reality, take them seriously and believe that they will. With God, nothing is impossible. No matter who doubts your dreams, don't let that cause you to doubt them or the power of God. Trust in God to let your dreams come to pass.

Joseph could have thought all was lost when he was sold by his brothers. What was to become of him? Are you in one of those situations where you're wondering what's going to become of you? If you are, follow Joseph's example. It is one of the hardest things in life to not know what your next step is going to be. But God knows. Trust in Him to lead and guide you. Don't lose your hope. God still has a purpose for you and that circumstance might play a part in that purpose being fulfilled in you.

Always have faith in God. His promise that all things work together for the good of them that love Him will never fail. Let that give you hope.

PRAYER: Dear Father God, thank You that no matter what comes my way in life You're always there to lead me. May I follow Your guidance. I'm trusting in You to let my dreams come to pass. I'm trusting in You to fulfill Your purpose in me no matter how many times Satan would try to put an end to me. My faith and hope is in You, Lord. Thank You for walking by my side. I love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.