Have You Ever Wondered Why?
This week I celebrated 41 years working for the same organisation – and as a young lad aged 16, entering the workplace for the first time, I had no idea what was in store or where I would end up, or even why I was there?
I’ve recently been reading Genesis chapters 37-45, the story of Joseph, a young man of 17 years old. Gifted, talented and greatly loved by his father Jacob. I bet he also had no idea what was in store, or where he would end up, and of course, why?
And so I thought I’d share with you a few insights from the journey that God took Joseph on.
Rejection – Genesis 37 v 5-7 describe the dream of a 17 year old. “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: we were binding sheaves of corn out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered round mine and bowed down to it.’”
To be honest, I probably would have reacted in the same way as one of his brothers ‘who do you think you are?’ ‘There’s no way we will bow down to you!’
This is where it all started to fall apart for Joseph. The hatred that grew in the hearts of his brothers led to Joseph being rejected, abandoned and sold in to slavery.
I suspect that we can all point to times in our lives when it’s felt like it’s all falling apart. When others aren’t listening, don’t like what we’ve got to say, or worse still, when those closest to us reject us.
But why??
Repositioned – Joseph found himself repositioned. A new land, a new language, a totally different environment. We read in Chapter 39 that Joseph was taken to Egypt, and it was here that he began his new life. A slave.
However, the hand of God was on him. V2 ‘The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered…’. Whatever you are going through and wherever you have been positioned in life, in work, or in ministry, I encourage you to lean in to God. He is with you. You have been positioned for a reason.
Joseph chose to act with integrity, love God and allow his gift to bear fruit – and it was this that led to Joseph being repositioned again and again. More responsibility, greater empowerment and the opportunity to influence the strategy of a nation. I bet the 17 year old shepherd didn’t see that coming!
But why??
Reunite – Of course we all know how the story plays out, with Joseph coming face to face with his brothers (his past). And after several encounters, and tests – he finally decides to make his identity known. And again, Joseph chooses a path of forgiveness. It would have been so easy to allow bitterness in, to have punished his brothers.
“And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5
There was a much bigger plan that God was outworking – but He had find a way to position Joseph in a place of influence.
What path has God got you on I wonder?
Are you choosing to lean in to God, and in obedience use your gifting – even if faced with adversity?
When faced with your past, how do you respond? Bitterness or forgiveness?
And finally…
Revival – “But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.” Genesis 45:27
The story of Joseph reminded me that the steps God lays before us in life, the experiences we go through, the periods of blessing and of pain that we encounter – are all part of a bigger plan.
So, as Joseph did – wherever you find yourself, wherever you have been positioned – lean in to Him! ‘The why’ is just around the corner.
Kev Martin
