Called for a Purpose

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

If there is one story in the Bible that specially demonstrates the above verse, it is the account of JOSEPH, the son of Jacob. Anyone familiar with the story knows what Joseph went through, how he was sold as a slave by his brothers then in the end, became the second highest ranking official in Egypt.

The story says that Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave because they envied him that he was favored by their father Jacob. He was brought to Egypt and landed in the house of Potiphar. While there, Joseph won the favor of his master that he became his attendant and was made in charge of his household and everything he owned (Gen. 39:4). In the days or perhaps years that followed Potiphar's wife became attracted to Joseph and tried to get him to bed with her. When Joseph refused her advances and stood his ground, the woman accused him of trying to rape her and for that reason, he was thrown into another humiliating and depressing situation. He was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit (Gen 39:7-20). But instead of wallowing in bitterness and anger, Joseph continued to live an honorable life so that he won the confidence of the prison warden and who, like Potiphar, put him in charge of the other prisoners and made him responsible for all that was done there (Gen. 39:22).

Later in prison, two cellmates each had a dream that Joseph interpreted. To the one who was to be restored to his position in the palace as the Pharaoh's chief cupbearer, Joseph asked a favor- that the cupbearer would mention him to Pharaoh and get him out of there (Gen. 40:14). Unfortunately, the cupbearer never remembered, not until after two years when Pharaoh had dreams that so troubled him and no magician or wise man in all of Egypt could interpret (Gen. 41:8). At once, Joseph was summoned to the palace to interpret Pharaoh's dream (v.14). Seeing the wisdom of Joseph's interpretation, Pharaoh made him in charge over the entire land of Egypt second in command only with respect to his throne (Gen.41:40).

God's directions of Joseph's life revolved in His much bigger plan to save His growing people Israel from severe famine that was to come upon the land. It could not have been accomplished had Joseph not left his father's house. And there would have been no reason for him to leave had his brothers not sold him. Everything that Joseph went through, his time with Potiphar and his prison experience were but in preparation for the much bigger responsibility that God was to put on his shoulders. Emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually God worked in him through those bitter experiences. Joseph understood this when he told 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... God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Gen 45:5;7)". What a character Joseph had become. Notice that he did not forget what his brothers did to him. What he did forget is the bitterness, the feeling of betrayal and perhaps the desire to get even with his brothers.

Another striking truth that we must not overlook in the life of Joseph is the demonstration of God's sovereignty over man's life and calling. Joseph was born to save Israel from severe famine that could have killed them all. From the moment he was born, God had been with him, ordering every circumstance of his life to fulfill His purpose. Through all the experiences that he went through, God had always been with him. The favor and approvals he received from Potiphar, the prison warden and the Pharaoh were all because God was with him . There was no instance in his life that God abandoned Joseph (Gen. 39:2-6, 21-23;41:37-40).

Every child of God is called for a purpose. No matter what your situation may be today or what you have gone through in the past, remember Joseph and take courage. The future holds the answer why you are going through all the circumstances of your life. Just keep trusting that God in His sovereignty is bringing you to the fulfillment of His master plan which you are a part of.

God bless...