Joseph’s story is an encouraging example of how God’s plans are better than our own, even when we don’t understand what is going on.
Joseph had dreams, literally, about what God had promised to do in his life. He dreamed He would be a leader and that even his brothers would bow down to him. It’s no surprise that his family didn’t love the idea. The path to get there looked nothing like Joseph had hoped: dropped in a well, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Because of Joseph’s love for God, he served and worked humbly, honoring God with his actions. In the end, Joseph saw God keep His promise.
Joseph had every reason to fall into despair. He had been sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and unjustly thrown into prison. Instead, Joseph used the opportunities God gave him and was faithful to honor God in all he did. Joseph continued to trust God, work hard, and maintain his convictions. God honored Joseph, not because of anything Joseph had done but to fulfill the promise He made to Joseph’s ancestors: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Along the way, Joseph connected with people, used his talents, and grew into a godly man. When we rush to make our plans and dreams happen in our own time, we often miss the opportunities God gives us to learn, grow, and connect.
None of my own dreams have happened the way that I thought they would. God has taken me on a winding journey that, like Joseph’s, has been for God’s glory but not always for my comfort.
When our dreams feel derailed, it’s easy to strive to make things happen on our own. We hide from our responsibilities out of disappointment. We read a passage of Scripture like this and think, “How nice for Joseph, it all worked out for him.” God not only provided a way for Joseph; He sent Jesus to be our great deliverance. God isn’t done paving a way, a path, or a detour that takes us to the place He has planned for us. God is faithful to use trials and temptations in our lives as He prepares us for what He has planned. All blessing is from Him, and He is faithful to reward the obedience of His people in His perfect timing. He alone is never changing, and He is the one who gives us good gifts (James 1:17).
When we take time to look back on what God has done in our lives, we can find hope and peace in seeing what God can do with what looks, to us, like a detour. If He did all this for Joseph, what might He be doing in your life? It is more than you could ever imagine.
