Word IMPACT!ಮಾದರಿ

Day 9

TESTED AND TRIED BY HIS WORD

Joseph grew up as a spoiled brat. He badmouthed his brothers and received special privileges from his father. His brothers hated him. Then Joseph shared his dreams with them. “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” (Gen 37:6) They hated him even more. The second dream he shared with his father as well. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” (Gen 37:9). His brothers were filled with jealousy.

God spoke to Joseph in prophetic dreams, but he still had a long journey of growth in maturity and character before those dreams could be fulfilled.

His first test was just around the corner. Betrayed and rejected by his brothers, he was nearly killed by them. By Godly intervention, he was saved and sold as a slave. “Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.” (Ps 105:18) Joseph arrived in Egypt a changed man. Something had happened to him on the way.

He became a slave in the house of Potiphar, the chief of national security. “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man… And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.” (Gen 39:2,3) Joseph chose to forgive his brothers and to serve his new master diligently. As a result, he got promoted to overseer in Potiphar’s house.

Tests and tribulations will shape our character and enhance our growth. The next test came in the person of Mrs. Potiphar. She became intrigued with this young man. His looks, his gym-toned body, and his youth. Joseph fled when she trapped him and, as a result, got promoted to prison. We should choose to honor God even if we are treated wrongly. Stay sexually pure.

“But the Lord was with Joseph… And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison… and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” (Gen 39:21-23)

The third test masqueraded as a looming breakthrough. Staff from the palace arrived in prison – no other than the chief baker and chief butler of the King! Joseph was in charge of both. Both of them had dreams that night, and Joseph interpreted those dreams. He told the chief butler, “…please remember me and do me a favor … Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place… I did nothing to deserve it.” (Gen 40:14-15) The head butler didn’t give Joseph a second thought. He forgot all about him. What a disappointment! In this test, we need to handle disappointment in a Godly way! Not let it make us bitter. Not let it bring the worst out of us. Not let it work a grudge in our heart.

Joseph was shaped by God. He could forgive his brothers, Mrs. Potiphar, and the chief butler. He could serve and didn’t sulk or get depressed when he was wronged.

Joseph had to grow into full maturity and character to step into the dreams God had for him. “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.” (Ps 105:19) Joseph passed the character test successfully! It was followed by the call from the palace. “Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household; he became ruler over all the king’s possessions.” (Ps 105:20,21) Tested and tried by God, Joseph was eventually ready for his assignment.

Father, Thank You that Your word refines me and prepares me to step into the destiny You have for me.