This post is the first of 3 discussions about Joseph relative to his patience, pain, and prosperity. Studying some of Joseph’s attributes helped me to be increasing aware of the need to be patient in our pain. I hope you can also identify with the need to have and pray for patience.
I have a deeper appreciation for Joseph these days. From the pit to the king’s palace, Joseph had an extraordinary journey amid God’s fulfilling His purpose for His people.
When there is purpose in your path, God retrofits you with patience.
People talk about the patience of Job, what about the patience of Joseph? Joseph wasn’t even eighteen when he was forced out of the family’s nest and had to fly and manage for himself. The patience of Job and Joseph is a rare virtue. But we can all pray for it.
Lord, if I can’t have the patience of Job, grant me the patience of Joseph.
Patience is the tolerance of delay, trouble, or suffering.
People don’t have much tolerance for waiting when things are hunky-dory, not to mention when they’re going through hardships or pain.
Joseph was different; he was patient and purposeful in waiting. He relied and waited on God, who helped him to persevere through perilous adversities.
Joseph demonstrated patience in every position he found himself in: the pit, slavery, prison, and palace.
If you knew your path to the palace of your dreams included ten or more years of prison time, would you have the required patience?
Joseph had lofty and kingly dreams where people bowed down to him but had no idea how his God-given dreams would come true. God’s purpose turned Joseph’s siblings’ jealousy and sin against him into a prosperity plan to save His people.
Many of us lose hope about our dreams and never get past who or what put us in the pit, prison, or some other, thought to be, god-forsaken place.
But there is no such thing as a god-forsaken place. God is everywhere. With God’s presence and favor, you can have patience and progress no matter where you are. When victimized, know and believe that being a victim isn’t your final destination.
Don’t give up if you feel bound by troubles and in a pit. I know it’s dark, and you’re scratching and writhing to set yourself free.
Remember, you are free to hope in Jesus. Hope displaces despair, and it frees the spirit.
Romans 5:4 says (NIV), “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Any volunteers for suffering? No one wants to suffer if they could have their druthers.
Joseph didn’t ask to suffer. People don’t ask to be victimized.
Hope followed Joseph where ever he was because God was with him. Hope and patience work together. Hope in God will render the patience needed to persevere through trials.
You have to have patience where ever you are in life.
A pit maybe sickness or the death of a friend or loved one. A pit may also be the loss of a job, home, eviction, and so many other things. Through patience and laboring in faith, the pit days will pass.
Patience isn’t counting sheep, checking your watch, or losing sight of time.
“Patience is not simply the ability to wait, it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” Joyce Meyer
Joseph labored in every position and trusted God to help him reach his destination, the palace.
We can do the same.
Stay safe!