Joseph did not wake up one morning qualified to rule Egypt. God had been preparing him for years.
Before the palace came the pit. Before authority came affliction. Betrayed by his brothers, enslaved, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison — none of it was wasted. In obscurity, God was forming Joseph’s character. In hardship, God was shaping humility. In small assignments, God was training him for greater responsibility.
By the time he stood before Pharaoh, Joseph was ready — not because he was ambitious, but because he was dependent. “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Gen. 41:16). His competence flowed from communion with God. His wisdom was joined with humility. His leadership was grounded in trust.
When God exalted him, Joseph did not grasp for glory. He gave it to God.
Genesis 41 reminds us that God’s preparation often happens in hidden places. The seasons that feel like delay may actually be divine development. The prison may be the classroom. The waiting may be the qualification.
Joseph ultimately points us to Christ — rejected, humbled, and then exalted to save many. Because Jesus was faithful in suffering, He is now our true and better Overseer, preserving life not from famine, but from sin and death.
So do not despise the hidden years.
The God who prepares is the God who promotes — in His time, and for His glory.
Prayer:
Father, help us trust Your hidden work in our lives. Shape our character before You expand our influence. Make us faithful in small things and dependent on You in all things. Through Christ our exalted Savior, amen.
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