The story of Joseph gives us an important example a Preparation Call. His obedience, and extraordinary journey of finding his true identity is an amazing inspiration to those who have sometimes struggled with accepting the preparation call. Overcoming the difficulties will often be necessary to get us ready for what God has planned for us.
Joseph’s journey took him from a pit of slavery to the palace of Pharaoh. Joseph traveled this journey one step at a time after his brothers left him for to perish in a deep pit. When we are rejected (especially by those closest to us) it makes us feel useless, and even tempted to be bitter. But, we must rise-above that pit as quickly as possible.
When we cry out to the Lord, He will certainly lift us out of the pit and establish our path. He orders our steps, and gives us provision for the journey.
In the tale of Joseph, God not only raised him up out of the pit of bondage, He also raised him to the Second highest position in the land of Egypt.
When we review Genesis 37-50 we can see it wasn’t an easy journey. Joseph was rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, and later on betrayed and shackled away in jail. Nonetheless, Joseph did not fear what man can do to him; he forgave those who hurt him and released them from the damage they had actually done.
In each situation Joseph had a choice to be bitter or forgive the wrongdoing and see things get better. Each time he made the right option, as he decided to forgive, he took a step towards his fate in the palace.
Forgiveness is a selection that numerous times God will utilize to promote us to a higher position. After Joseph forgave his brothers, he sealed it by blessing them out of the abundance that God had offered him as Governor of Egypt.
This journey from the pit to the palace is one we all can take as we travel through forgiveness, and move into our assignment in the Preparation Call.
My family has been preparing for many years now. More than 15 years ago, my husband received what he called a “Preparation Call” from the Lord. At the time it made very little sense, but today the need to prepare is a common discussion.
Recently, we had 2800 pounds of food delivered for an orphanage in Haiti. We received another 500 pounds of wheat and oats for our area Grain Co-op and then received another 550 pounds of Organic Grains and Beans for our Millers Grain House inventory. It’s all in a holding pattern at the moment and we are overflowing with grains here at Millers Grain House!
Yes – my husband’s name IS Joseph….we aren’t storing up for seven years of famine (yet) but it sure looks like it!! Funny how he is so supportive of my passion for milling and teaching others to mill (as we are actually named Miller) and he’s always been about preparation for when the Return of Messiah comes and the need to store for those in need (as he is Joseph) it only dawned on me how all that fit the other day – and it’s been over 24 years we’ve been like this! We serve an amazing Lord! Glad we don’t have to have a CLUE and He can still work out His Plan!
I am often humbled by how well pieces fit together in our lives without even our acknowledgement or involvement to make them fit. Often, for me, they fit best when I actually am out of the way and resting in the arms of my Father. I can just know and rest and really that’s all I have to do.
Just look at Joseph’s Dream…Adonai gave it to him….and the Plan was fine without Joseph having to tweak it! He has prepared the Plan and He’s done fine without me worrying, figuring or manipulating – being still, resting is all I have to do. Who am I to think my plan is better.
Listen to what the Lord is telling you, and follow His plan for your life. It may not make sense today, but He alone knows the outcome – and will work out the details if you simply surrender to His call.
About the Author:
Donna Miller is a teacher, author, and dollar stretching expert and is the founder of Millers Grain House in North Carolina. She shares a daily blog and teaches people how to prepared for difficulties called Grain Store House.
