Joseph The Dreamer

Day 1, Feb 5th 2024

Text: Genesis 30:25, 37:5-11, 39, 40, 41 

Introduction 

The life Joseph is an example of a life lived for God, a person that walked with God all through  his life. God chose Joseph from a young age to be the preserver of nations, but he went through  so many challenges, even from his own brothers and in a foreign land. He went from the Pit, to  slavery, to prison but God came through for him, He eventually became the Prime minister in a  foreign land, a leader, just like God showed him in the dreams. Through all these Joseph  maintained his relationship with God and walked with him blameless.  

“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no  one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my  people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than  you. Genesis 41:38-41. 

To everyone who knew about his dreams, all hopes were probably lost. But Joseph the Dreamer held on,  while waiting patiently on God and expectantly too. Genesis 42;14 “But when it goes well for  you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me  out of this prison. 

Life Lessons: – 

1. Embrace and Pursue Your God Giving Dreams and Vision with Faith, Courage and  Obedience.  

In our own journey with God, we must remember that God is faithful and all powerful. He knows the outcomes of all situations. This will help us to embrace the call and fulfill  our God given destiny, dreams and vision. We must not do live alone, because it can be  very rough, but with the greatest companion (God) any man can have, victory is  guaranteed. Joseph’s unwavering trust in the power of God for the actualization of his  dreams kept him going, even when everything around him seems contrary to the promise  of God. 

Hebrews.10:23 “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted  to keep his promise.

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with  thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Philippians 1:6 

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until  the day of Christ Jesus. 

2. The need to Persevere in the Face of Adversity 

Perseverance though not always easy, will lead us closer to the fulfillment of purpose and  dreams. Joseph’s life was marked by hardship, betrayal, and adversity at every turn. Yet,  through unwavering faith and resilience, he emerged stronger and more determined than  ever. We must through the word of God, learn how to endure hardship, and wait patiently  on God.  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance  finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. James  1:2-4 

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will  receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James.1:2-4(ESV) 

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive  what is promised”. Hebrew. 10:36 (ESV) 

3. God Honors Integrity and Righteousness. 

Joseph’s dedication to integrity and righteousness made him stand out in his time, though  people were living in sin, deception and moral compromise. (Also Potiphar’s wife’s  constant advances to Joseph came with a reward), he was determined to maintain his  integrity before God and man and he remained righteous. Joseph’ steady resolve to  maintain moral compass earned him favor in the eyes of both God and man.  

” And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he  did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and  he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. “ 

Genesis 39:3-4 KJV, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against  God?” And though she spoke to Joseph Day after day, he refused to go to bed with  her or even be with her”. 

“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies”. Proverbs.14:5

“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy”. Proverbs, 12:22 

4. Believe In The Divine Sovereignty and Providence of God. 

Divine providence of God is always present for His children. This guides our steps,  orchestrating events for our ultimate good. Even in the worst moments of despair, Joseph  trusted in God’s Providence and sovereignty. We might not have the full picture of things,  but God in His Sovereignty always has the ultimate say. No wonder Joseph could say in  Genesis.50:19- 20. That what His brothers meant for evil was God’s plan for the good of  the Israelites.  

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is  

now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:21)” 

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of  him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to  hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. Ephesians.1:11-12 

Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps”. Psalms.135:6 (ESV) 

His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.”  But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant  evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept  alive, as they are today. Genesis. 50:18-20 

5 Extend Forgiveness and Grace: 

One of the most reflective lessons from Joseph’s life is his capacity to forgive, even  in the face of treachery and injustice. When the opportunity to revenge came up,  Joseph chose reconciliation and grace. 

Colossians 3:13 – Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another,  

forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 

Life applications 

1. Hold on Tenaciously to your God Given Purpose and dreams in Faith.

Situations may not always work in our favor, even when we know and have the promises  of God, but we must never doubt God, the Bible says, “faithful is He that has promised”.  Don’t let go of your dreams prematurely because of trials and tribulations. but rather be  like Joseph and remain steadfast and be committed to God’s purpose for your life.  

Hebrews.10:23 “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be  trusted to keep his promise. 

Numbers 23:19 Says: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he  should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not  make it good.” 

Embrace God’s Plan over Yours. 

2. God’s plans for us are greater and better than ours. We must therefore trust His  process and trust that He is faithful to fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.  

Jeremiah. 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! If I were to count  them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with  You. Psalm 139:17-18 

“Thou compass my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways”. Psalms. 139:3 

3. Utilize setbacks as steppingstones to your breakthrough.  

View setbacks and obstacles as learning processes, opportunities for growth and  transformation. During Joseph’s jail time, He learnt the skill of leadership and  Administration amongst other things, which later helped in in his new role as a Prime  Minister in Egypt.  

4. We must strive to walk in integrity and righteousness.  

For us to walk with God effectively, we must Shun dishonesty and avoid with passion  anything that is not honest and anything that displeases our God.  

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be  found out”. Proverbs.10:9 (NIV)

Let Go of Offences and Forgive. 

As Christians we must embrace the transformative power of forgiveness, learn to forgive  no matter how bad the hurt is. Release the weight of bitterness and antipathy, and extend  grace to those who have wronged you, knowing that forgiveness is the key to freedom  and restoration.  

Ephesians.4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along  with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each  other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

Romans.12:20 “On the contrary if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give  him something to drink………” 

Lesson of the Day:

We must always be inspired to walk in integrity, extend forgiveness, and  pursue our destiny and dreams with unwavering trust in God’s plan for our lives, only then can we have a true and meaningful walk with God. 

Complied by: Toyin Akanle.