Joseph was disappointed, frustrated, and burdened by drama he couldn’t avoid. His life was filled with unexpected events. Each major turn in his life came with unexpected events – both good and bad. He felt a glimmer of hope when he watched the butler leave the prison with his “speak on my behalf – I don’t deserve to be here” message for Pharoah. He was cautiously optimistic that this might be the ticket to leaving that hellish place.
Nothing changed for Joseph for another two years. I can imagine Joseph decided that prison life would drag on and on. He didn’t know he was waiting for God to cause Pharaoh to have a disturbing dream.
Suddenly, though, Joseph was ushered to the palace to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. I can envision him feeling a measure of hope – finally, a chance to plead his case for release.
He didn’t have to say a word about his situation when all was said and done. Unexpectedly, he walked away from that conversation as a free man and the governor. Freedom never felt so sweet.
Other unexpected moments included Joseph getting married, having children, hugging his once hate-filled brothers, wrapping his arms around his father’s neck, and sharing with his brothers that despite what they did so many years ago, God sent him ahead to save the family from famine.
You have no idea what God has in place and who He will work through to change your life. No, it’s not easy to relinquish what we expected God to do and be forced to walk down roads we never dreamed would be part of our lives. But God knows. Forget about trying to figure it out!! What you think will or should occur pales in comparison to what and how the Lord will move in your life.
And it will be totally unexpected.
29 And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. Genesis 46:29-30 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)