Breakfast: While We're Waiting

by Hillary Mortensen

My church life group recently finished a study on the person of Joseph, the Old Testament character known for his coat of many colors and eventual rise to power as leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

Throughout our study, I admit, I was distracted by the details of the story—his dreams, his genealogy, the chronological timeline of events, etc. As it came time to wrap up the study, I prayed, “Lord, help this become real to me and my life group members. Allow it to matter. I don’t want to finish and have people walk away feeling like they got nothing from this.”

Lo and behold, God in His goodness and faithfulness answered my prayer, and I feel compelled to share it with you.

[If you are not familiar with Joseph’s story, or even if you are, I encourage you to read Genesis 37-50. If you’re not up for that, you can read a summary here. The rest of this will make even more sense.]

In retrospect, we can take a look at Joseph’s life and see how he was favored by his father and adorned with the greatest gifts. We can see that he earned favor with Potiphar and was able to rule over his home. Eventually, he became second to Pharaoh and protected Egypt from seven years of famine due to his ability to interpret dreams. What a happily-ever-after sort of story.

What God ended up showing me was how I have neglected to take into account Joseph’s darkest years, which I also consider his years of preparation. Sure, Joseph may have received a beautiful coat from his dad, but his brothers hated him to the point that they would sell him into slavery and make even his father believe that he is dead. Then, he was a slave!...in a land that was not his own, with a people who were not his people, speaking a language that was not his language. Can you even consider how alone, uncomfortable, and abandoned he felt? His master Potiphar, who entrusted Joseph with everything and kept nothing from Joseph except his own wife, ended up throwing Joseph in prison after Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of sexual assault. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be to be falsely accused, to know that you are receiving punishment for a crime you didn’t commit when you were trying so hard to live righteously? He stayed in prison for two years, having been forgotten by a cupbearer he helped and therefore not receiving his expected pardon.

Eventually Joseph became a well-respected leader to whom Pharaoh gave everything he desired. His story was recorded for all humankind to know for thousands of years and generations to come. He is, by definition, an epic hero. From him we learn lessons about pride, arrogance, family, obedience, and patience. Still, we must consider what Joseph’s story teaches us about God Himself:

Romans 8:28
“God works all things together for good for those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose."

Although Joseph’s brothers intended to harm him, he was purchased by the people who would eventually lead him to Potiphar’s household, where Joseph matured, developed management skills, and excelled in his work. While the false accusation by Potiphar’s wife sent Joseph to prison, it was here that he met Pharaoh’s cupbearer who would later recommend Joseph to Pharaoh as an interpreter of dreams. Joseph’s interpretation and his foresight allowed him to implement a plan to provide for the Egyptians during seven years of famine. Egypt’s resources would ultimately reunite Joseph’s family and save them from starving. It all worked out!...and not only to tie up the loose ends of a nice little story, but to show us that God is orchestrating our lives to bring Him glory, even when we cannot see it in the season we’re in.

At lunch we will review a second lesson we learn through the story of Joseph. For now, spend some time praying about your current season of life, Adam’s current season. Pray that at all times, you, Adam, and his family are able to praise God even in the darkest times. Pray for the strength to remain obedient and upright even when things don’t make sense.

I’ve posted this song before, but I hope it would be the cry of all our hearts. May we be people who move ahead, bold and confident, taking every step in obedience, while we’re in waiting seasons of life.



Though it’s painful, let’s wait patiently and faithfully.