PROCESSING OF PURPOSE

“And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please” – Genesis 40:8

The PROCESSING of PURPOSE often precedes its Fulfilment: “And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please” (v.8). Let’s continue with the Story of Joseph and learn few more fundamental lessons:

OBEDIENCE ULTIMATELY PREVAILS: it may not produce the expected visible results in the short-run, but will eventually vindicate the Obedient. Joseph was faithful to God and did not give in to the seductive schemes of Potiphar’s wife. Because of his resistance, the seductress accused him falsely and he ended up in prison. The lesson here is that sometimes a step closer to your dream can seem like a step farther. Sometimes after you’ve passed a big test, things can appear to get worse as a consequence of your obedience. Joseph could not have fathomed that prison would be the passage and platform to his promotion. Similarly, you may never know how God is going to lead you to the place He promised. One thing you should know is that God likes to use very unconventional approaches but you must trust Him whatever the circumstances.

LIFE IS AN INTERNAL MATTER: “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the KINGDOM of GOD is WITHIN YOU” (Lk.17:21). Proverbs 4:23 also says: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the ISSUES of LIFE.” The key to your Elevation, doors of Promotion and Distinction in destiny is within you! The key to Joseph’s promotion was his ability to interpret dreams – it was within him all the time he was in Egypt. God will use what is within you to lead you to the fulfilment of your dreams. You may often not fully comprehend the process, but when the key is ready, it will come in handy. Although it is always there, it cannot be made effective until you let God work in you! He alone can take it and open the doors to your destiny. Yours is to submit to His will and let Him work on you; ultimately you will see your dream fulfilled.

GOD WILL ORDER PEOPLE and PLACES for Your PURPOSE: “A man's heart plans his way: but the LORD directs his steps” (Pro.16:9). While Joseph was in the prison, God arranged for the cupbearer and the baker to join him, and for both of them to have dreams which Joseph interpreted. This would ultimately lead to the fulfilment of His Will. There will always be people God uses to enable you advance towards purpose. Joseph tried to fast-track his way out of the prison by telling the cupbearer to make mention of him to Pharaoh so that he might be released (v.14-15). The cupbearer promised to do so but once he was released, he forgot all about Joseph (v.23). At the right time, God gave Pharaoh a dream and the cupbearer was forced to recommend Joseph as a way to protect himself. Promotion belongs to God; try not to run ahead of him.

EXERCISE DOMINION OVER CIRCUMSTANCES! Sometimes it may seem like all is lost, but never submit authority to circumstances God could allow things to get so bad that they seem like all are lost and the dream is dead. If you’ve discovered your divine purpose, then never give up on it. At times things may appear impossible for God to may make a strong testimony out of our lives. When Joseph was in prison, and had been forgotten by the cupbearer, he must have wondered about his dreams: how does a slave, locked up in prison, ever become a great leader? The answer is another question: “Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jer. 32:27b). He is not limited by anything in creation, so there is indeed nothing impossible for Him, but you must adjust your mind to believe. What He promised, He will certainly perform.