Called – But not yet ready!
by Jill Southern
Looking at the story of Joseph we see that he had to go through a series of tests before God could bring him fully into his destiny and use all the amazing gifts and abilities God had given him. All of us face similar tests in our Christian walk – how would you cope with Joseph’s tests?
Joseph’s first test was: The pride test.
Joseph had given a bad report about his brothers to his Dad (Genesis 37:2). In other words, he told tales! Joseph was the favourite son and his coat of many colours gave him the opportunity to parade his position as ‘Dad’s favourite’ to his brothers.
Then he had a dream that really was from God, but he made the mistake of bragging about his dreams. Joseph had a pride problem which really upset his brothers. God gave him the dream early in life, he was only seventeen. Perhaps God wanted to surface the pride so he could deal with it sooner rather than later.
When the angel spoke to Mary, the mother of Jesus, we’re told that ‘she pondered all these things in her heart’. She too was young, but how differently she handled God’s destiny on her life!
You don’t have to tell people who you are in order to be someone. If you can’t handle the dream you definitely can’t handle the destiny! Joseph was 17 years old when he got the dream but he wasn’t ready to step into his destiny until he was 30 years old. Joseph was blessed and loved by God – and God loved him enough to help him face the problem of pride. We too are blessed and loved by God and called into His Kingdom purposes. How would we fare if God tested us for pride? There’s a little pride in all of us!
Action line: How do we handle the danger of pride in our lives? Can we surrender to a kind and loving God?
Prayer: Lord, I don’t want pride to be in my life. When You reveal my destiny, or give me dreams and visions, help me to handle them wisely. Please deal with any insecurities in me, which are the root of pride. Help me deal with any pride in my life today. In Jesus name. Amen.
Jill Southern is the founder of Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and directed the work for 21 years. She has recently stood down from that role but still teaches on the NETS programme and has the passion to train and equip God`s people to fully walk in their destiny and calling. She is the Regional Director for Ellel Ministries International in South East Asia and China and is also on the Executive Leadership of the ministry.
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