Joseph’s story is an illustration of resilience and faithfulness. Despite being betrayed, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, he never allowed his circumstances to dictate his attitude or change his vision. His dream did not fade but remained active even in his darkest moments. Joseph is committed to vision even when there is hardship. Persistence can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.
The Gift That Could Not Be Imprisoned
When Joseph is thrown into an Egyptian prison on false accusations, he could have easily become bitter or turned away from his gift. Instead, he choses to continue using his ability to interpret dreams even where there is no immediate reward. He continued to believe in who he is and remained committed to becoming the person that God predestined him to become. Being faithful eventually changed not only his fate but the destiny of Egypt and his people.
The Turning Point
The turning point comes from making a connection. “The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own” (Genesis 40:4-5, NIV).
Joseph noticed the troubled expressions of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker after they had disturbing dreams. Rather than ignoring their distress or focusing solely on his own plight, Joseph asks, “Why do you look so sad today?” This simple question opened the door for him to exercise his gift of interpreting dreams.
The Power of Perspective
Joseph maintaining a positive attitude impacts his choices and actions. He continues to put his gifts in use even while imprisoned which demonstrates commitment and managing perspective. He recognizes that his circumstances do not define his purpose or identity. Though confined physically, his spirit and gifts remain free and active.
“But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon” (Genesis 40:14-15, NIV).
This perspective ultimately leads Joseph from the prison to the palace. When Pharaoh himself had troubling dreams that no one could interpret, the cupbearer remembered Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams. Joseph is summoned from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. His interpretation leads to his being appointed as second-in-command over all Egypt.
Joseph’s story is a reminder that your talents and abilities are not circumstantial. They are part of your purpose. No matter how confined or restricted you may feel, your gifts are to shine through. Shining through to becoming the very keys that unlock your future. Like Joseph, remain faithful to your calling regardless of your current situation. “Show the same diligence to the very end so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrew 6:11-12, NIV).
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