The Same Level of Joseph!

"To face the journey despite how it begins!"

If you have read the book of Genesis around the 37th chapter you get the story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob. As I summarize, it details how this was the son of his old age and his favor of him caused his brothers to feel contempt and jealousy to the point of planning his demise. Jacob had given him a coat of many colors that set him apart from them by his appearance. To top it off, he was able to interpret dreams that were prophetic to the times in which they lived. His brother took that coat and threw him into a pit. They went home and told their father that he was killed.

Speeding the story forward several years, Joseph is found in Egypt as the governor of the people in charge of commissioning the distribution of food to the masses. As the land was found in a famine. The brothers came up from Canaan to get food and encountered their brothers unaware. They did not recognize him. In spite of their treatment of him, Joseph had compassion on the plight they found themselves in and sought out an opportunity to ensure that they were okay. His plan was to anonymously provide for them. Then he revealed himself and told them that he was not mad. Yet, he was thankful that what they had done in contempt had worked out to bring a prosperous long term outcome.

I tell that story because I was inspired on many levels. We often wonder why others despise us or want to bring harm to us for being who we are. The answer to that is not in the present perspective. Your blessings and gifts are not made to appear as blessings. Yet, God uses us to carry a blessing disguised as a burden in order that the glory is revealed as him. Our setbacks, attacks, and struggles are designed to direct our path.

Then there is an elevation period. That time that the real meaning of your peculiarity, differences, and specialty is revealed to the masses is very orchestrated. The very ones who meant to silence you or sit you down are the ones that benefit from and bear witness to the favor and glory of God on your life.

My personal struggle is wrapped in this very premise. "Why don't they like me?" "Why am I not supported?" Many similar perspectives have had me in a place of self evaluation. But God has allowed me to recognize that being in my pit and separated from the mainstream direction that I thought things should look liked is to purpose my direction for a higher calling. Romans 8:28 .....All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

It seems that several times since May, 2020 I have heard at least three ministers reference the story of Joseph. It made me reflect on this and what it meant to my own life and purpose. I also went into the study of the name Joseph, being my own name. It says "God shall add". I had read that before. But, today I use this and the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors to keep myself encouraged, no matter what it looks like. I know that "God shall add" to the outcome of my story.