Equipped to Serve

Many times, we wonder why we go through difficulties and trials in our lives. There are circumstances we find tough, and experiences can be so challenging. We ask the question: “Why Lord? Can there be a purpose in all this?”

The story of Joseph gives us great encouragement. He too must have thought or even said: “Why Lord?” God gave him dreams, which to his family seemed so offensive and ridiculous. The Lord of course knew His purpose and plan. He knew the future and what He would do in his life – how He was going to use him, as He does for us too.

Joseph was hated and ill-treated by his brothers and sold into slavery. Yet even in this challenging period in his life - away from his home and family ‘the Lord was with him and he prospered’ (Genesis 39:2-3). His testimony, honesty and gifting were noted by Potiphar his master, and God brought blessing through him.

Trial, however, struck again, and through the false accusations of Potiphar’s seductive wife he was thrown into prison. Joseph must have thought: “How can this be. Why Lord?” Again, we read that the Lord was with him and granted him favour with the jailor (Genesis 39:23). He was given responsibility and success. How can a man be successful in a dungeon? It seems such a paradox. Yet God was preparing him. This was yet another experience and qualification to write on his C.V.

In those trying circumstances God gave him revelation and the wisdom to interpret dreams. This would ultimately be the means God would use to open the door for his release into his destiny. Joseph had to wait though and endure the trials for two more years, seemingly forgotten, but not by God.

God’s timing is perfect, though we may not appreciate it, except perhaps with hindsight. We may say: “When will all this end and what am I to learn from this experience?”

One day the cell door opened and Joseph was released to serve, to save, to bless a whole nation, and beyond that too. His own dreams were fulfilled, his destiny came into reality, his trials come to an end and his circumstances changed in an amazing way. All he experienced, his ‘training and equipping,’ bore fruit. All that was written on his C.V. proved vital for the crucial task he would perform. God knew best.
God used him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, and he was thereby recognised as ‘the man for the hour,’ the one equipped to meet the need and save the nation from disaster. The Lord had ‘intended it for good’. God’s timing was right, and His purpose became clear. So, be encouraged, for God knows, He cares, and He’s able to bring you through, and into all He’s planned for you, in His purpose and grace.

Prayer: Lord I give to You my life afresh. You know my trials and difficulties. Use them for Your glory in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.