Have you ever felt like there is more to life than what you are experiencing? That, despite checking off a majority of things on your list of goals, there’s this nagging feeling of ‘What if?’ Well, Part V of Discerning Divine Seasons and Times might point you to the missing puzzle piece.
In the Forerunners’ Service, Pastor Flavia Murugi introduced an interesting concept: Divine seasons and times come to move us from the crowd, to the core, to the critical. She went on to explain that, when Joseph was first labelled ‘The Dreamer’ in Genesis 37, he was nothing special, just one of the many sons of Jacob. Then he was sold as a slave in Egypt, and he found himself in Potiphar’s house. God favoured him in this foreign land, and he became a core person in Potiphar’s household.
But that still wasn’t it. A shift occurred, and he was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. However, after interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, he became critical to the preservation of generations. Esther is another perfect example. An orphan raised by her cousin, who didn’t have much to offer, became a core person when she was selected among other girls to be queen. But the story doesn’t end there; a conspiracy is plotted against the Jews, and Esther becomes critical to the destiny of the Jewish people.
In the book of Exodus 13:17, the Israelites began their wilderness journey, and God provided manna from heaven. However, manna was for the journey, not the promise. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 NKJV says; And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Wilderness seasons test what is in your heart, and provision is not the promise. The wilderness builds dependence and discipline. Matthew 6:33 says; But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
During the family service. Pastor Donald Gichane brought our attention back to Joseph in Genesis 39:1-7, where we see Joseph in Potiphar’s house, and it almost seems as if his troubles are over. Joseph received a temporary promotion in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s house was far better than the pit he had been in previously, but it was not the palace. Don’t get comfortable too soon; God’s ultimate purpose is completion, not comfort. Philippians 1:6 NKJV being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Comfort can be a prison if it keeps you from your calling, so do not be comfortable in the wrong place. When things are going great in your life, that is the best time to fast and ask the Lord, Father, what do you want for me? I Corinthians 10:12 NKJV Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. The fact that you find yourself successful in something doesn’t mean that that is your purpose or calling in life. Joseph was offered pleasure at the cost of purpose. You must stay prayed up, you must stay sober. I Peter 5:8 NKJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Settling in Potiphar’s house means accepting a place that demands you to compromise to stay. You can be in captivity as long as your purpose is concerned, and confuse it for liberty. Don’t let the promotion in Egypt keep you from the promise in Canaan. Ask yourself today: What was I saved for? What was I sent into this earth for? Observe, learn and apply for acceleration; and remember that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.