The Impossible Dream

As I was reading through Genesis, once again I was inspired by the story of Joseph. There were some interesting things I had not considered about Joseph's life. Did you know that he was 17 when he first received the dream that revealed to him that his brothers would bow down to him? His brothers didn’t share in his enthusiasm. As we see it, he was the child of the covenant.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. Gen 37:3-5

Joseph’s brothers didn't see God's hand in this situation. They wanted to make sure that his dream never happened. They took matters into their own hands.

Many events in Joseph’s life happened in the next 13 years. He was a sold into slavery in Egypt.

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. Gen 39:2-4

Potiphar’s wife took notice of Joseph. He ran from her presence to keep his ways pure. He was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, ... But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. Gen 39:20-22

In prison, Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners. He was able to interpret the dreams of the cupbearer and baker. He remained in God’s service, even in prison.

Two years later Pharaoh had a dream. He inquired of all his officials and none of them could give the interpretation to the dream. The cupbearer remembered Joseph.

"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Gen 41:16

Because Joseph was able to tell Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams, he was promoted from prisoner in the morning to second in command in the afternoon. Talk about suddenly!!

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." Gen 41:39-40

So at the age of 30, Joseph was put in charge of preparing for the years of plenty and the years of famine as the dreams of Pharaoh revealed.

Joseph was about 39 years old when the brothers came to Egypt to buy food for their family, because the famine was so severe. Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him.

They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well." And they bowed low to pay him honor. Gen 43:28

The dream Joseph received as a 17 year old was not fulfilled for about 22 years. That is a long time, in human terms, to wait. We obviously wouldn't have heard of Joseph's story if he had told the Lord, "it's been too long” or “I can't do this anymore” or “it’s too hard”, etc. Joseph was used in a mighty way by God because he was willing to be faithful and was willing to wait on the Lord and His timing.

But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Gen 50:19-21

My challenge to you is to look Satan in the face and tell him “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God’s word to you is “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children”. Don’t be afraid. Dreams (visions & calls from the Lord) do come true, even when they seem impossible.

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26