Gen. 39:2; 20 “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered… But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”
No one knows for certain what the new year will bring. At the end of 2019, many were excited about the start of a new decade. There was a buzz about 2020 being a year of great vision. No one predicted that the entire world would shut down by March of that year. No one could have predicted how long that season would last. Making predictions about a new year is risky, but there are a few predictions that I can make with confidence. It’s likely that you will find yourself waiting on something this year. I don’t mean short-term waits, like waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant. I mean waits with something significant on the line. As you begin this year, you might find yourself waiting for something, like a new job opportunity or the resolution of a health issue. You could be going through a difficult phase in your family or facing mental health challenges. Regardless of what you’re waiting for, it’s possible that you may feel abandoned or forsaken by God. This is a feeling that Joseph experienced while in prison in the book of Genesis.
“Prison” represents being in an in-between place for an extended period of time. Emotionally, it is a place of frustration because you are not where you want to be, and you don’t know when your circumstances will change. Like Joseph, you may not understand why you are having to endure your current situation. Prison seasons represent a place or a wait that you did not choose.
Though God is present with you, “prison” seasons mean that you must press in more intentionally to see and feel His presence. You are vulnerable to losing vision and losing hope during these seasons. You are vulnerable to the Enemy’s whispers: “God has abandoned you; your dreams are meaningless; you are a fool; you need to take charge of your own situation; waiting on God is pointless; you are justified if you compromise – who would blame you. After all, you’re stuck in this prison. What have you got to lose?”
God gave Joseph a dream, then sent others who had dreams to Joseph for him to interpret: the cupbearer, the baker, and finally Pharoah. Joseph was uniquely positioned to give insight to each of them at just the right time. Likewise, there are people that God will send to you because of the gifts and experiences He has given you. You will be uniquely qualified to understand them and help them. It is meant to be!
The key to surviving and even thriving in “prison” seasons is to recognize God’s intentionality in having you where you are. Remember that His wisdom is perfect and so is His timing. Recognize that He is with you and never abandons you. Walk in daily gratitude, seeing His kindness and provision and basking in His presence. As you start this new year, remain confident in God and His good plans for your life.
So this post certainly made me think! Thanks-I wouldn’t have thought of things from your p.o.v otherwise.