Out to Egypt

Sometimes, you need Egypt!

I will take a step further and say this: "If you are a Joseph, then slavery, incrimination, and prison might be just what you need."

I will share my recent thought process concerning Joseph's story:

I know we agree that Joseph's slavery in Egypt was something bad that God turned around for his good, and I believe this statement is true. However, I also believe that God needed Joseph to be away from his brothers and father for his own good.

Joseph was a man of promise and a dreamer; we literally called him 'Joseph the dreamer,' and what he carried was supposed to be greater than his immediate family, but every time he dreamt and told his brothers, they immediately assumed that he was just to rule over them. They didn't realize it was about nations and the next generation, not just ruling over them or his parents bowing to him.

God showed Joseph the future, and every time, it wasn't just trampled upon and discarded; God's grand scale was also minimized. I can imagine how frustrating it must have been for God every time they limited His plans for Joseph. I would like to imagine God saying, "It's not just about you guys; the guy is for the nationssss!!!'' But every time, he was dishonored and then thrown aside. This is why I think God needed Joseph out; his environment was stifling, and the scripture 'a prophet is without honor in his own country' was in full play.

God needed Joseph in places where his gifts were recognized and groomed. He needed them to see that he wasn't just a dreamer; he could interpret and provide solutions. He wasn't overbearing; he was a competent manager. He needed them to see that he wasn't just a snitch; he was trustworthy and honest. He needed to show that he wasn't just some self-righteous man; he loved the Lord more than anything.

God needed Joseph to see that it wasn't just about his brothers, father, and immediate family; it was from town to town and nation to nation. God needed him out because he wasn't just for the land; he was for the nations.

And even though the experiences Joseph had would have made the average person wonder if he was made for anything good at all, in the end it finally paid off. Even Joseph testified that man might have meant it for evil, but it was precisely what God needed to prepare Joseph for His destiny.