At 17-years-old, Joseph had a vision that he was going to do something great one day!
He was the runt of the family, but he knew one day he would somehow become a top dog!
Joseph’s vision made his brothers mad. They hated him, despised him, lied about him, and almost killed him (Gen. 37). Eventually, they sold him into slavery. As a slave, Joseph was lied about, thrown into prison, forgotten by those he’d helped, and his prison sentence was extended for a crime he didn’t commit (Gen. 39, 40).
Joseph’s life didn’t look very good! However, he didn’t get bitter, throw a fit and curse his situation, or wallow in self-pity. Through it all, Joseph continued to believe in the vision God gave him. He had confidence that nobody could stop it from coming to pass. As a result, his vision took him onward and upward! He gained favor and promotion everywhere he went.
At 17, Joseph was given a dream by God. At 30, Joseph was living the dream having been appointed second in command under Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46). For the 13 years in between, he never let go of that dream, and God brought it to pass!
Take Away:
Vision kept Joseph going, and vision will keep you and your family going as well! When God’s vision for your life is planted deep in your heart, it will help you stay the course! No matter what the immediate circumstances look like, don’t allow yourself to be paralyzed with indecision and fear. Keep your eyes fixed on what God told you. Pursue your vision, confident that God will bring it to pass. “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5 NKJV)
