God has plans for us that we can only begin to imagine. We see things and formulate plans that we think would be wonderful, but God has something far more special for us than we could ever imagine. A look at the life of Joseph illustrates this truth. Joseph’s life demonstrates four facts that you will find true as you travel the path God has cleared for you. If you can remember these truths, then no matter how dark the clouds, how depressing the circumstances or how diligent the critics, you will always be aware of the fact that God has something special for you.

1 – There is a special person inside you (vs. 1-4)

• Joseph was different – If you read the story of his life, it is plain to see that Joseph stood out from his brothers in his commitment, his character and in his clothing and as a result, his brothers hated him!
• Being different is socially unacceptable – The secret to popularity is conformity. The world tells us that to get along, you must go along. This is the siren cry of the world. Everyone wants to fit in, everyone wants to be accepted.
• Being different is OK – While the world calls us to conform, the Bible gives us a far different message. The Bible warns us against conformity, See Romans 12:1. This literally means, “Do not let the world press you into its mould.”
• Be different because you are different – The main reason why you should be different is because you are! God made you an individual. (E.g. Each person’s DNA is unique) You do not have to conform to the crowd. There are those who are like whatever crowd they get around. They worship with the saints and they grovel with the sinners. This ought not be so! Think of Daniel, at the age of 17, he took a stand that was the equivalent to social suicide. (See Daniel 1). He chose to be different. As a result, God was able to bless his life and get great glory from Daniel.
• You do not have to fit into anyone’s mould to be accepted. The only person you have to please is the Lord God! If you are living your life in a manner that pleases Him, then you are living the right kind of life. Never sell out to this world or to people who want to make you like them! Make up your mind that you settle for nothing less than the approval of God upon your life. After all, He made you, He loves you, He died for you, and if you are saved, He saved you. You are going to His Heaven to live with Him for eternity. Realise and recognise that you are an individual and that you are unique among all the people who have ever, or will ever live. God made you special and your duty is to live for Him.

2 – There is a special plan for you (vs. 5)

• This verse tells us that Joseph dreamed a dream. In this dream, the Lord revealed the future to Joseph. In this dream, God showed Joseph that one day all the resources (sheaves) and all the ruler (stars) of the world would bow down at the feet of Joseph.
• God had a special plan for the life of Joseph, and He has a special plan for your life as well. Sadly, many people lack the faith or the vision to find out what God’s plan for them is. There is something that God wants you to do! He has something for you to do that no one else can do. He wants to work in you, through you and around you in a very unique and special manner. He has something only you can do and it will not be done unless you do it! You might as well know up-front that there will be those around who will try to stifle your dreams.
• You might as well know that there will be those who will hate you because you have a dream. Notice how Joseph’s brothers reacted to Him, (vs. 19). There will always be those who lack the faith and the vision and will tell you that your dreams are inconceivable, impractical, or impossible. Alexander Graham Bell’s father-in-law called the telephone “a toy no one will play with.” The famous British physicist, Lord Calvin, said, “Radio has no future.” British Royal astronomer George Bidell Airy, said, “The computer is absolutely worthless.” In 1899 Charles H. Duell, Director of the United States Patten Office, made this statement: “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” He was so convinced of this that he tried to get President McKinley to abolish his job next year. Well, the very next year R. A. Fessenden sent the human voice over radio waves for the first time. In 1901 the first Mercedes automobile was constructed. In 1903 the Wright Brothers successfully flew a powered airplane. In 1904 the photoelectric cell was developed. All of this only five years after Mr. Duell said nothing was left to be invented. But, regardless of what the critics say, never let anyone kill your dreams. See Proverbs 29:18.
• It was the truth that God had a plan for Joseph that sustained him during the times when he was a slave in Egypt and when he was in prison. May I say that to live life with the knowledge that God had no plan for our lives would be hell on earth! Always remember that you are a special person created for a special purpose!
• Often, during the storms and battles of life, our dreams seem to be all we have left!

3 – There are special problems for you. (vs. 18-36)

• The life of Joseph is one of great problems and trials. In vs. 18, his brothers conspired against him. In vs. 21, he was thrown into a pit. In vs. 28, he was sold as a slave. In chapter 39, he is falsely accused of rape. In chapter 40 he is thrown into prison. Joseph was forsaken by his family, forgotten by his friends and frustrated by his failures. All these things that happened to Joseph were just part of God’s plan for his life.
• This is a hard pill to swallow, but it is still true: Life is unfair! If the Lord of glory came to this earth and was crucified, then what makes us think that life will treat us fairly? Why did these things happen to a young man who was guilty of nothing more than obeying the will of God? The answer is found in Genesis 50:20. You see, Joseph is the Old Testament illustration to one of the New Testaments greatest promises See Romans 8:28.
• Through all the problems that Joseph faced, the Lord is teaching us the difference between growing old and growing up! We need to remember that God is always doing for great things in our lives. Remembering these will help us when the storm clouds of life begin to gather about us.

1. God is always guiding you – See Psalm. 37:23.
2. God is always guarding you – See Psalm. 121:5-8.
3. God is always gauging you – He is constantly measuring our growth. God is far more concerned about how we react to what we face than what we face. See Psalm 105:17-19.
4. God is always growing you – God isn’t as concerned about delivering us out of our mess as He is about us growing out of the mess we are in. He is in the saint-building business.
5. Remember, whatever you may face in this world, however deep and dark the valleys you are called to walk through, however heavy the loads you are called upon to bear, God is merely allowing these things in your life to strengthen and to help you become more like Him. The question is: How are you responding to problems that come your way?

4 – There is a special person for you. (39:1-23)

• Repeatedly, the Bible tells us that God was ever with Joseph – See 39:2; 39:3; 39:21; 39:23; Acts 7:9. In everything Joseph faced he had a Helper and a Companion!
• Three times in chapter 39 we are told that the Lord was with Joseph. It will be helpful for us to see just how the Lord was with him.

1. He was with him in servitude (39:1-3) – Even though he was a slave, Joseph conducted himself like the ruler God was preparing him to be. Instead of griping, complaining, whining, bellyaching, and fussing about his situation, he just served Potiphar and did the best job he could do. What a lesson! If ever expect to rule then we must first learn to serve! You will never be over until you first learn to be under! Joseph was learning about humility.
2. He was with him in seduction (39:7-19) – Potiphar’s wife tried everything in her power to seduce Joseph, but he stood strong in the Lord and fended off her advances. God was teaching Joseph that no price could be placed on a clean conscience. He lost his coat, but he kept his conscience. God was teaching Joseph a lesson in purity and in self-control. Both are essential to those in leadership positions.
3. He was with him in suffering (39:21-23) – Even when Joseph was forced to endure the shame of a false imprisonment, God was with him and blessed him.

• Well, you know the rest of the story. God turned tragedy, temptation, torment and trouble into a great triumph. God brought all Joseph’s dreams to pass teaching Joseph and us this lesson. See 1 Peter 5:6-7.
• Joseph never quit on the Lord. He never stopped believing, he never stopped trusting, he never stopped dreaming until the Lord brought to pass everything in his life that God wanted to do. Through it all, Joseph never wavered, he never compromised and he never flinched at what the Lord allowed in his life. As a result, he won the victory and so can you. See 1 Corinthians 15:58.

I heard about a fellow who came into town to a Little League Baseball game. He looked at the scoreboard and it said, “21 to 0.” A little boy was sitting on the bench while his team was in the field. The other team was batting, and the fellow said to the little boy on the bench, “Son, it looks pretty bad for your team doesn’t it?” The little boy said, “Ah, no sir, we haven’t even come to bat yet!” Well dear friend, sometimes it may look like the world and the flesh and the devil is winning. But remember with God on your side, you will always win because He has something special for you. So, keep dreaming, keep trusting, keep serving because God is preparing a great victory for you to enjoy. He truly has something special for you!

Categories: Genesis