Day 34: Remain Faithful and Trust God’s Plan
Genesis 37-50 chronicles the life of Joseph, a young man who was favored by his father. During his teenage years, Joseph had two dreams which suggested he would one day rule over his brothers. These dreams, along with being his father’s favorite son, angered his brothers and caused great tension between them. They were so jealous of Joseph that they plotted to kill him. But Reuben, Joseph’s oldest brother, encouraged them to throw him in an empty well instead because he was secretly planning to come back and rescue him.
After throwing Joseph in the well, a group of merchants heading to Egypt passed through and one of the brothers decided it would be better to sell him to these people. When in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an important official and assistant to the Pharaoh of Egypt. After years of faithfully serving his master, Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him but he refused. Upset with Joseph’s response, she falsely accused him of pursuing her. Despite Joseph’s undeniable commitment, Potiphar imprisoned him with no reassurance that he would ever be freed.
It is said that Joseph spent roughly 13 years in Potiphar’s house and in prison before God fulfilled his two dreams. Living the undeserved life of a slave and prisoner was tumultuous, yet scripture affirms that regardless of the circumstances Joseph endured and prospered. He could have given up on his dreams and turned his back on God, but he decided to remain faithful and trust God’s plan.
Joseph proved to be a man of integrity and persevered without wavering. Though he experienced hardship, God used his seemingly hopeless situation to prepare him for a monumental encounter with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. After accurately interpreting the dreams of two fellow prisoners, Joseph was summoned to interpret the king’s dream. He predicted seven years of bountiful harvest and seven years of horrific famine that would overtake the entire region.
Because of Joseph’s interpretation and wise advice, Pharaoh gave him authority and appointed him as ruler only second in command to the king. This God inspired appointment resulted in Joseph not only saving the Egyptians during the famine, but he was strategically positioned to spare the lives of his immediate family and a nation of Hebrews living in Canaan.
Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.” Joseph’s story is one of faith and redemption. He didn’t know when God would redeem him or how God would use him. Yet, Joseph remained unmoved and grounded squarely in the promises of God. Had he ventured away from God’s divine plan, he likely would have never been reunited with his family and an entire region of people could have been destroyed.
Questions to Consider:
Are you currently in a situation where life looks bleak and all the dreams God placed in your heart seem distant and unattainable? Do you want to give up and walk away from all that God has promised you? Will you take a moment to consider all that Joseph endured as a slave and prisoner? After such reflection, will you make the decision to walk in unrelenting faith and trust God with His plan for your life?
Prayer:
Lord, the God of heaven and earth, grant me with the capacity to remain faithful and wholeheartedly committed to your master plan despite my unjust and challenging situation. Like Joseph, teach me how to forgive and to be the best reflection of you when all seems hopeless. Don’t let my dreams die inside of me. Give me the wisdom to advance your kingdom and the strength to remain rooted and grounded in your unwavering love for me. Amen.
Dr. Rowlanda Cawthon, Professor in the College of Business