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Fruitful Through Affliction Joseph’s Story The Promise, the Dream Gen. 37:7 (KJV) 7For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. Joseph had a dream that one day he would be fulfilling a great calling. He became aware of his purpose in God. The Injustice, the Rejection Gen. 37:18 (KJV) 18And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. Joseph’s brothers became very jealous and conspired to be rid of him. They focused on his weaknesses and said they would make sure his dream never happened. The Blessing Gen. 39:2-4 2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. Nevertheless, God was with Joseph and was preparing his life for his calling to be fulfilled. The Injustice, the Accusation Gen. 39:14 (KJV) 14That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me… Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of attempted adultery. The accusation took Joseph from prosperity to poverty. The Mercy Gen. 39:21 through Gen. 39:23 (KJV) 21But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. God was with Joseph even in the injustice and poverty. It was all part of His plan. Joseph had to be humbled again in order to receive the fulfillment. The Opportunity Gen. 40:12 (KJV) 12And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it…Gen. 40:14 (KJV) 14But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house… In the midst of injustice Joseph heard for others. Others were blessed, but some were cursed. Gen. 40:22 (KJV) 22But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. The Injustice, Forgotten Gen. 40:23 (KJV) 23Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. The butler forgot Joseph. This was total selfishness. There was no real concern for Joseph. The butler just went back to living his life. The Justice, Remembered Gen. 41:12 (KJV) 12And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. Joseph’s honesty and integrity paid off. Someone remembered. Someone’s life was changed. He really had impacted another’s life. The Provision Gen. 41:33 (KJV) 33Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Joseph speaks God’s word Gen. 41:39 through Gen. 41:40 (KJV) 39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. The Outcome Gen. 41:51 through Gen. 41:52 (KJV) 51And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. 52And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. God made Joseph forget the past and made him fruitful through much affliction. Joseph’s life shows us that out of great injustice and affliction, God is working and His work is being made perfect in our lives. It is those who finish the race and do not give up in this life that find true meaning to salvation and purpose. God is testing His Church’s endurance. If we endure to the end we will be made stronger, but if we give up we will stay weak. May we be like Joseph. -S. Chad Ross November Newsletter 2003 | Response to Rebellion | Thank God for Time Pastor's Journal November 2002 | Fruitful through Affliction | A People Plundered part 2 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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