Not Knowing the "When"

Content library Not Knowing the "When"
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Southeast Christian Church

May 16, 2023

Joseph was being raised by a mother, Rachel, who had learned to wait on God. Joseph was being brought up by a mom who discovered that God's will doesn't always unfold our way. She learned it. She knew it. He's growing up with a mom who every time she called his name is declaring a testimony that God is the one who gives gifts. Every time she speaks his name, she's saying, “My confidence is in God. God is the one who gives. Don't give up on God. God is the one who gives.” This had a profound impact on Joseph, so when he, at age 17, is sold into slavery, when he's thrown into prison, the impact that his mom would've had in those early years as she taught him God gifts and what dependence looked like as she taught him to count on God, made a difference. Don't underestimate that.

Rachel had shown Joseph what dependence and dedication to God looked like, despite God moving on a different timetable than what Rachel had wanted or expected. This demonstration of faith would come into his life play far more than Joseph probably realized at the time. When Joseph was able to interpret the dream of the cupbearer in prison but then was forgotten, Joseph had to be wondering about the timetable that God was working on. After all, he was in prison for an additional two full years before he would be remembered by the cupbearer and brought to Pharoah, which would be a major turning point in his life. Oftentimes, the periods of waiting on God’s will to unfold and become clear are the most difficult.

Reflection/Discussion Question: When is a time in your life when the timeline of God's will was more difficult to understand than the "why"?

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