In Genesis chapters 37-50 we find the story of one of the most fascinating men of scripture. His name was Joseph, and he was known as a dreamer. Genesis 37:5-10 records the dreams God gave to him as a young man. Almost immediately, those dreams got him in hot water with his brothers who wanted to kill him because the dreams said that Joseph would rule over them! They were much older than Joseph and resented the thought of being under his lordship. The brothers planned to kill Joseph and said in Genesis 37:20 "...let us slay him....and we shall see what will become of his dreams."

The brothers decided not to kill him and sold Joseph into slavery. The next several chapters of Genesis reveal around 13 years of terrible Egyptian adversity that this young man experienced. They included slavery, sexual temptation, false accusation, wrongful imprisonment and finally rejection from someone whom Joseph had helped greatly. Imagine being mistreated for 13 years simply because you have a God given dream. Despite all this "hell on earth" Joseph refused to let go of his integrity and his dream!

In time, Joseph is brought out of prison to see if he can interpret a troubling dream that Egypt's leader has experienced. Joseph does so with flying colors! As a result, the Pharaoh makes him ruler over all of Egypt. He does this not only because Joseph interpreted his dream, but because he says that "there is none so discreet and wise as thou art." Pharaoh saw that through terrible adversity, Joseph continually made good, sound decisions instead of giving in to the pressure of anger, hatred and revenge! Pharaoh needed a man who could handle pressure like this to rule his kingdom. He found that man in Joseph.

What made Joseph so strong through adversity? His life was not defined by his troubles, it was defined by not letting go of his dream! Don't let go of yours either. More to be said. Have a great week!

Back to Archives...