Preparation for Elevation Part 3

“What you meant for evil, God meant for good!”

In Genesis chapter 37, we read about the start of Joseph’s preparation of elevation. We read about a young man (17 years old) who took care of his father Israel sheep and goats, and he was loved more by his father than his older brothers. His father loved him so much, he gave him a long, beautiful coat with many colors. God gifted Joseph with the skill to dream and interpret other dreams. Joseph had a dream that his brothers would bow down to him and that one day he would rule or have a position of authority over them. His brothers hated him and were jealous of him for that. One day they tore off his beautiful coat and threw him in a dry well. His brothers eventually sold him to traders for 20 pieces of silver into slavery.

This is the part of the story where Joseph is probably scared for his life and feels powerless. To be separated from the father that loves him and to be betrayed by his own kin can make Joseph question his faith and loyalty towards God. Most times we face different obstacles in our life that can shake our faith because we are in a position of lack of understanding and uncertainty. We don’t know what’s next or what’s to come for our future. This can make us panic and lose our way!

While Joseph was in prison, God still showed love and favor towards him. Joseph became a leader over the prisoners, he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh, he was put in charge of the 7 good and bad years of the famine, and at the age of 30, he became a governor over Egypt which put him 2nd in command after Pharoah. As we can see, God was preparing Joseph to become a leader since he was 17 years old. In Genesis chapter 50, Joseph’s dream came true. After his father’s funeral, Joseph’s brothers were afraid of him and bowed down to him. But what Joseph said that stands out to me is when he said, “you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good.” So, the entire time, this was part of God’s plan to save His people. Joseph’s leadership played a huge role in Egypt because many lives would have been at stake during the famine if it wasn’t for Joseph being betrayed and sold into slavery (Genesis 45:7-8).

What are some evil things that happened to you in your life that you believe God meant for good? How will you prepare or elevation when you are being tested? How will you trust God’s plan even when you can’t see the big picture?