What you do when God does take you out of difficulty is as important as when you were waiting for Him to do so. The real test of character is not the survival of the pit but when prestige is given.
Joseph’s journey from prisoner to prime minister is truly one of the most dramatic reversals in the Bible. We have much to learn from how he handled that elevation.
“So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command,and people shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. 44 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.” 45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt. 46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt. 47 During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. 48 Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. 49 Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure. 50 Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51 Joseph named his firstborn Manassehand said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” 52 The second son he named Ephraimand said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” (Genesis 41:41-52)
How someone can be when they have nothing and are in need is one thing but promoting them is a whole new chapter for their life. A betrayal, being enslaved and wrongfully accused and in Joseph’s case imprisoned can lead to total dependence on God. Afterall there is nowhere or no one else to turn to. But the day comes where everything changes. Power, significance, identity and riches can turn the status of an individual overnight. Joseph’s story is this. He is no longer defined by his hardships but by his present position. The royal signet ring, royal robes, a gold chain, a chariot, and a name that would carry weight across all of Egypt. Hours ago he was a prisoner. How would he handle such a move from suffering to significance?
- Joseph didn’t pause to enjoy his moment. He went throughout Egypt and got straight to work. When you finally get the opportunity, take it.
- Faithfulness in obscurity had prepared him for faithfulness in prominence. The habits you build when no one is watching are the ones that carry you when everyone is.
- He named his son Manasseh because, “God has made me forget my trouble”. Healing is possible. You don’t have to be defined by what hurt you.
- He named his son Ephraim because, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Your greatest breakthrough can come from your hardest season.
- Elevation comes with responsibility. A platform, or influence isn’t just a reward, it’s a resource to be managed wisely.
- What we do in times of plenty determines how we and others survive times of lack. Financial discipline, generosity, and planning in good times build the safety net for hard times.
- Your Ephraim season may still be coming. Hold on. Don’t quit before your breakthrough.
Joseph’s story is a mirror. Many of us are in one of three places right now: still in the pit, just receiving the ring, or already managing the harvest. Wherever you are, the message is the same. Stay faithful. Stay humble. Steward well. The question is this: whatever is next will you be ready for it?
Missions Paul 