Have you ever thought about God’s preparation process that prepares us for what lies ahead? Do you feel you are treading water along life’s journey? Does it seem that as each day unfolds, God has forgotten all about you? The good news is the Lord has not forgotten about you but taking His time to prepare you for what lies ahead.
God’s preparation process and learning to be obedient are part of God’s growth process. While people go to school worldwide to prepare them for the future, the Lord often uses an approach that trains us in the fires of life. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was one such man. He was enslaved, wrongly imprisoned, and endured many other trials in his early life as God prepared him to be a significant leader in a foreign country.
David Guzik gives profound insight into God’s preparation. “All people God uses significantly, He also prepares extensively. Few are willing to endure the greatness of God’s preparation. God orders both our steps and stops.”[1]
God’s Plan is Unique
God’s timing is tricky for us to understand this side of eternity. If we compare what is going on in our life with others, we will be frustrated. God has a unique plan for each person, including the timing and difficulty of what we must go through. Because we are unique, our plans will also be particular for us. God used slavery and false imprisonment in Joseph’s life to refine and prepare him. Although Joseph experienced many hardships, the Lord was with him.
Genesis 39:21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. 22 Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. 23 The warden had no more worries because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed. [2]
God’s Timing is Unique
Joseph would later interpret the dream of a fellow prisoner who was the cupbearer for Pharoah, telling him he would soon be released. Joseph wanted the cupbearer to intercede for his freedom. Genesis 40:14And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place…. 23 Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. [3] If you are enduring a great trial, remember the Lord is with you, and life now may not make sense on this side of eternity.
To hear more about God’s preparation process, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/prison-dreams
[1] Guzik, D. (2013). Genesis (Ge 40:20–23). David Guzik.
[2-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.