Only a Breath Away...From the Prison to the Palace!

Remember the story of Joseph? Yah, the kid with the coat of many colors! That's the one...

I've been reading a lot about his life, lately.

Joseph's life was greatly favored! Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

I mean, Joseph experiences a powerful dream, that symbolizes that one day he will rule and reign over his family. He's favored by His Father and given a beautiful coat of many colors.

Again, it's all very exciting until I consider where that favor leads Joseph.

Joseph's favor invokes many enemies; his brothers hate him. They are filled with jealousy and decide to throw him into a pit as they conspire to kill him. Eventually, they sell him into slavery.Where's the favor in that? What about Joseph's dream? What about God promise and Joseph's destiny?

But...

God's favor continues on and is found in some of the most unlikely places.

While in slavery, Joseph is favored by his Egyptian master, Potipher. That is until Potipher's wife 'favors' Joseph and when Joseph flees her advances, she accuses him, wrongfully. Her "favor" lands Joseph in a scandalous assault against Joseph's character and positions Joseph in an Egyptian prison...

I know...if you're like me, you wonder: Where's the favor in that, right?

But...

God's favor (once again) follows Joseph and Joseph is favored by the Prison Warden. 

Look at all of these accounts in Genesis 39 as Scripture describes Joseph as a successful man; despite his circumstances, Joseph excels and gains favor wherever he is. Why? Because God's favor isn't contingent upon Joseph's circumstances or conditions...God's favor is on Joseph and follows him.

In Genesis 39:2-4, we read: "The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned." (NIV)

In Genesis 39:23, we read: "The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did." NIV

Now, if you're like me...I'd be praying...Lord, let your favor move me to the place I dreamed about...to the position of ruling and reigning. Know what I mean? I think I'd wonder: Why is there so much suffering? Why is there so much hardship? 

But...

Just when it seems as if Joseph's dream will never be fulfilled, Pharoah experiences a dream; his dream is so disturbing that he searches for anyone who can interpret it. Pharoah learns of Joseph (who just so happens to be in his prison, waiting.) And, once again, we witness God's favor deliver Joseph.

But...

Before we move on, think about this; Scripture says Joseph was seventeen when he had his first dream (that foretold of his future rule and reign) AND...later states that Joseph is thirty years old before he stands before Pharoah. WHEW! 13 years of wanting and waiting...I wonder if Joseph ever perceived those years as wasted years...Personally, I know I have.

But...

The seasons I once considered wasted actually produced the greatest spiritual maturity. Wasted seasons have a way of demolishing pride and building humility and dependency! The Joseph who stood before Pharoah seemed different than the Joseph who boasted to his family.

In Genesis 41:14-16 we read: "So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." (Now, check out Joseph's response...) "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." (NIV) Do you see the humility and change?


And, suddenly, in one day, Joseph moves from ruling Pharoah's prison to ruling Pharoah's Palace. WOW!


Today, as I think about my own struggles and the various pits, prisons or periods of waiting...I can't help but relate these truths. God's favor is NOT restricted by the circumstances or conditions that surround our life. He uses everything to work together for our good. 

And, at just the right time...

He promotes us from the PRISON to the PALACE.

One of the things I learn from Joseph's struggle is his surrender to God's process. Joseph served God faithfully in Potipher's house. He represented God with integrity and used his gifts in Pharoah's prison. The palace is no different. Joseph stands before Pharaoh and recognized his absolute powerless to do anything; God alone would answer Pharoah's dream.


Here are two thoughts to consider:

1. Do we willing surrender and serve God wherever we are, regardless of our circumstances?
2. In one single moment, God can pick us up and position us wherever He wants us, whenever He wants. Maybe today will be the day that God moves us from the prison into the palace!