Preparation

Genesis 37:36 Meanwhile, the Midianite traders arrived in Egypt, where they sold Joseph to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was captain of the palace guard. 

And so it looks to be the end of Joseph. If you had never heard this story before, you would believe it was over for him. Yet, it was just the beginning of my preparation of Joseph. It was the beginning of the road that would lead to him saving his people from starvation and death. It was the beginning of my preparation of Joseph to fulfill his childhood dreams – he would lord over his family. But he would be in a position of power in which I placed him not to subjugate them but to save them. Your life looks like Joseph’s did at this very point. He had been thrown into a cistern and then sold into slavery by his own brothers. Do not miss this Child. What looks, at first reading, to be the end of Joseph’s story is just the beginning of his glory. It is just the beginning preparation of his later leadership. It is just the first chapter in what will be an unforgettable story of redemption and miracles. I do not love Joseph any more than I love you. So I say to you, do not despair. Do not give up. Do not believe I am not with you. Just hang on. Lean into Me. Learn from Me and from your circumstances. Everything in this process is for your benefit and for your later service. I am still by your side, helping you, supporting you, preparing you. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy. Trust Me. Believe Me. Allow Me to do what you can’t. Stop thinking your life is not of value and has no significance. That is a lie. I have plans for you. I have told you that many times so do not allow this challenge to derail you. Small test, small testimony. Big test, big testimony. You have always said you wish to serve Me and make a difference in people’s lives. This is yet more preparation for that. I’m sorry it is so painful, but the most important lessons always are. Will you learn? Or will you try to escape? You choose. I will honor either choice. But you know which choice would please Me more.