Joseph had many reasons to have an offensive attitude with all the troubles he went through, but he was a praying man and trusted God.
God “…gave Joseph success IN EVERYTHING HE DID.” (Gen. 39:23)
At the age of 17, God had given Joseph a dream showing his dad and mom and all his 11 brothers bowing down to him. Joseph’s brothers we very jealous of him and stole his beautiful cloak and wanted to kill him but threw him into a pit instead. Then Joseph:
- was sold to some Ishmaelite traders from Midian
- was then sold to become a slave of Potipher
- was then wrongfully thrown in prison
- was forgotten about for 2 more years after helping Pharaoh’s cupbearer
- was called before Pharaoh and promoted to 2nd in charge
“Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving Pharaoh…” (Gen. 41:46)
The Lord revealed to Joseph that there would be 7 very prosperous years, then 7 very terrible years, so Joseph followed God’s instructions and prepared. During the 7 terrible years Joseph’s brothers came for provisions:
“When Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him WITH THEIR FACES TO THE GROUND.” (Gen. 42:6)
It took more than 20 years for this promise of God to be fulfilled.
REMEMBER, GOD IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP HIS PROMISES…
-Bill Stockham