Your Face Like Flint: Unwavering Faith in Turbulent Times

by Joseph | Jan 7, 2025 | Sharing

In the prophetic words of Isaiah, we find an extraordinary image of unshakeable determination: “I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed” (Isaiah 50:7). This powerful metaphor—face like flint—speaks of a hardness that refuses to be scratched, a resolution that cannot be worn down. It’s not about stoic indifference or cold hardheartedness, but rather about maintaining an unwavering focus on God’s purposes despite the storms that rage around us.

Consider Joseph in Egypt, whose face must have been like flint indeed. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned unjustly—yet through it all, his countenance remained fixed on the divine purpose that would eventually unfold. “But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer” (Genesis 39:21). This wasn’t mere positive thinking or stubborn determination; it was a spiritual resilience forged in the furnace of adversity.

In our current age of uncertainty, where the foundations seem to shake daily, this quality of flint-faced resilience has never been more crucial. We live in times where faith is tested not just by dramatic persecutions, but by the subtle erosion of constant pressure—much like Joseph’s experience in Potiphar’s house, where day after day, he faced temptation and maintained his integrity: “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

The concept of setting one’s face like flint implies a conscious decision, a deliberate positioning of oneself. It’s not a passive state but an active stance. When Jesus “resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), He wasn’t merely traveling—He was aligning Himself with the Father’s purpose, knowing the cross lay ahead. This kind of determination doesn’t deny the reality of pain or struggle; rather, it transcends them through unwavering trust in God’s sovereign plan.

Joseph’s journey provides a masterclass in this kind of resilience. In the depths of an Egyptian prison, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. “The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it” (Genesis 39:22). Even in the darkness of confinement, his face remained set like flint toward the light of God’s faithfulness.

But here’s where many devotionals miss the mark: this flint-faced resilience isn’t about personal strength or willpower. It’s about becoming a living testimony to God’s sustaining grace. When Joseph finally stood before his brothers years later, he didn’t speak of his own resilience but of God’s sovereignty: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Consider the metallurgical properties of flint: it’s not just hard; it’s capable of producing sparks when struck. Similarly, our resilience in trials shouldn’t just be about enduring—it should ignite hope in others. Joseph’s steadfastness didn’t just preserve his own faith; it became the means through which entire nations were saved from famine.

The contemporary application is profound. We face:

• Economic uncertainties that threaten our security
• Social upheavals that challenge our values
• Global tensions that shake our peace
• Personal trials that test our faith

Yet like flint, we’re called to maintain our facing, our orientation toward God’s purposes. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

This steadfastness manifests in several key ways:

1. Unmoved by Circumstantial Pressure: Just as Joseph remained faithful in Potiphar’s house despite daily temptation, we’re called to maintain our integrity even when compromise seems expedient.
2. Sustained Through Extended Trials: Joseph’s imprisonment wasn’t a brief setback but a prolonged season of testing. Yet his face remained set like flint, trusting God’s timing and purpose.
3. Focused on Divine Purpose: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Our resilience isn’t about stubborn self-will but about maintaining focus on God’s greater purpose.

What makes this particularly relevant today is the nature of our trials. We’re not just facing isolated challenges but interconnected crises that test our resilience on multiple fronts simultaneously. Like Joseph, we need a resilience that can withstand both acute crises and chronic pressures.

The beauty of the flint metaphor lies in its practical application. Flint doesn’t become harder through use—it’s inherently hard. Similarly, our resilience doesn’t come from building up our own strength but from being grounded in God’s unchanging nature. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

This brings us to a crucial insight: resilience isn’t about becoming impervious to pain or difficulty. Joseph wept when he saw his brothers; Jesus wept at Lazarus’s tomb. Having a face like flint doesn’t mean becoming emotionless—it means maintaining our orientation toward God’s purposes despite our emotions.

Consider how Joseph’s resilience was tested not just in adversity but in prosperity. When he rose to power in Egypt, he maintained his spiritual focus. This is crucial for us today, as trials can come in the form of success as much as failure. “For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11).

The call to set our faces like flint is ultimately a call to profound trust in God’s character. It’s about maintaining an unwavering focus on His faithfulness when everything around us suggests otherwise. Like Joseph in the pit, in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and in the palace, we’re called to maintain our spiritual orientation regardless of circumstances.

As we navigate our own turbulent times, let us remember that flint-faced resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about maintaining our facing toward God even when we do. It’s about getting up again, realigning our focus, and continuing to trust in His sovereign purpose. “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up” (Proverbs 24:16).

May we, like Joseph, maintain faces like flint, not in rigid inflexibility, but in unwavering trust in the God who works all things together for good. Let our resilience be a testimony not to our own strength, but to the unfailing faithfulness of the God we serve.

Leadership in Times of Crisis: Lessons from Joseph

by Joseph | Dec 28, 2024 | Sharing

In an era where uncertainty seems to be our constant companion, where global challenges emerge with startling frequency, and where leadership often appears to falter, the biblical account of Joseph speaks with remarkable relevance. His story isn’t just about colorful coats and dramatic family reconciliations—it’s a masterclass in divinely appointed leadership during times of unprecedented crisis.

Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace wasn’t a simple rags-to-riches tale. It was God’s strategic positioning of a leader who would save not only Egypt but the known world from catastrophic famine. “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). This profound understanding that God had orchestrated his path, despite its painful twists and turns, became the foundation of his leadership approach.  Have you questioned the difficulties you face and wondered if God was using the tough times to prepare you for something unique and important?

Consider the modern parallels: We face potential food insecurity, economic instability, climate challenges, and social upheaval. Like the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Joseph’s time, we see cycles of abundance and scarcity. The question isn’t whether challenges will come—it’s whether we have leaders positioned and prepared to navigate through them.

What set Joseph apart was his divine appointment. “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Pharaoh asked his servants (Genesis 41:38). Joseph’s leadership wasn’t born from political maneuvering or social climbing. It came from God’s sovereign placement and the spiritual wisdom that accompanied it. When Pharaoh sought understanding for his troubling dreams, Joseph’s response was telling: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Genesis 41:16).

This humility, combined with divine enabling, became the cornerstone of Joseph’s administrative genius. He implemented a systematic approach to resource management that would make modern economists take note: “Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance” (Genesis 41:34).

Today’s leaders would do well to note that Joseph’s preparation wasn’t reactive—it was proactive. He didn’t wait for the crisis to hit before developing solutions. During the years of plenty, he was already building infrastructure for the years of lack. “Joseph gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities” (Genesis 41:48).

But here’s where Joseph’s story becomes particularly relevant for our times: His leadership wasn’t just about stockpiling resources—it was about creating systems that would sustain communities through crisis. The distribution system he established wasn’t based on favoritism or political allegiance but on need and wise stewardship. “The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth” (Genesis 41:57).

Consider the implications for modern leadership. We need leaders who:

1. Recognize Divine Appointment: “And those whom He predestined, He also called” (Romans 8:30). True leadership begins with understanding that our position is a divine trust, not a personal achievement.
2. Lead with Spiritual Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach” (James 1:5). Joseph’s interpretation of dreams wasn’t mere intuition—it was divine insight applied to practical problems.
3. Plan Systematically: The seven years of abundance required as much leadership as the seven years of famine. “Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27).
4. Build Sustainable Systems: Joseph’s leadership created structures that outlasted the immediate crisis. “The land became Pharaoh’s. As for the people, he removed them to the cities from one end of Egypt’s border to the other” (Genesis 47:20-21).

The application for today’s world is clear: We need leaders who can see beyond the immediate horizon. The challenges we face—whether environmental, economic, or social—require Joseph-like wisdom to build sustainable solutions. This isn’t about fearful hoarding or panic-driven responses. It’s about wise stewardship and divine preparation.

Joseph’s story reminds us that true leadership isn’t about personal advancement but about being positioned by God to serve others through crisis. His elevation to leadership wasn’t for personal glory but for preservation of life. “For God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7).

What’s particularly striking about Joseph’s leadership is how he maintained his spiritual integrity while operating in a secular environment. He didn’t compromise his faith while serving in Pharaoh’s court. Instead, he allowed his faith to inform his administrative decisions. This is a crucial lesson for believers in leadership positions today—one can serve in secular institutions while remaining true to godly principles.

The challenges of our time call for Joseph-like leaders who can:

• Interpret the signs of the times with divine wisdom
• Implement systematic solutions with practical application
• Maintain spiritual integrity while serving in secular contexts
• Build systems that serve the common good
• Lead with both compassion and competence

As we face our own seasons of plenty and scarcity, the call to leadership remains the same. God is still in the business of positioning people strategically for times of crisis. The question is: Will we recognize our divine appointments and step into them with the same wisdom, courage, and systematic approach that Joseph demonstrated?

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place… And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Though spoken in a different context, these words echo the truth of Joseph’s story—God positions leaders strategically for times of crisis.

As we close, consider this: Joseph’s preparation for crisis didn’t begin when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. It began in the pit, continued in Potiphar’s house, and was refined in prison. Each stage was preparation for the leadership role that lay ahead. Similarly, our current challenges and positions might be God’s preparation for greater responsibility in times of crisis.

The call to leadership in times of crisis isn’t just for those in high positions. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves positioned “for such a time as this”—whether in business, government, education, or community leadership. The question is: Will we recognize God’s positioning, embrace His wisdom, and implement systematic solutions for the challenges ahead?

Love’s Labor: The Sacred Call to Prepare for Others

by Joseph | Dec 22, 2024 | Sharing

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (NASB)

The stars pierced Egypt’s night sky as Joseph stood alone atop a newly constructed granary. Below him stretched the shadows of other storehouses, each filled with grain that could have been sold for immediate profit. In the distance, the lights of celebrating Egyptians flickered—people enjoying their prosperity, unaware of the approaching shadow of famine. In this moment of solitude, did Joseph remember his father’s aging face? Did his brothers’ children flash through his mind as he supervised another day of storing grain instead of selling it?

This scene, though not explicitly recorded in Scripture, captures the heart of preparatory sacrifice—choosing to forgo immediate comfort for the sake of others’ future survival. It’s a theme that echoes through the stories of God’s greatest servants, each of whom chose to bear present burdens so others might have future hope.

The Hidden Cost of Love

“Love is patient, love is kind… it does not seek its own…” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NASB)

Consider Jeremiah, who purchased land on the eve of Jerusalem’s destruction—not for himself, but as a testimony of future restoration for generations he would never see. Think of Noah, who labored for decades building an ark, sacrificing his reputation and resources not just for his family, but for the preservation of all living creatures.

Joseph’s story particularly illuminates this sacrificial preparation. During seven years of plenty, he could have amassed personal wealth. Instead, he chose to live simply, focusing all resources on preparation for a famine others couldn’t see. His sacrifice wasn’t just about storing grain—it was about storing hope.

When Love Looks Like Madness

“For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.” – 2 Corinthians 5:13 (NASB)

The world often misunderstands sacrificial preparation. Noah’s neighbors surely thought him mad as he built an ark under clear skies. Joseph’s contemporary administrators likely questioned the extent of his storage programs during abundance. Even today, those who sacrifice present comfort for future provision may face questioning looks and concerned whispers.

But love often appears foolish to those who don’t share its vision. When Mary broke her alabaster jar of perfume over Jesus’ feet, some called it waste. When the widow gave her last coins, others might have called it irresponsible. Yet Jesus saw in both actions the beautiful geometry of sacrifice—love creating space for miracle.

The Generational Vision

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” – Proverbs 13:22 (NASB)

There’s a profound moment in Joseph’s story that’s easy to miss. When his brothers finally came seeking grain, they didn’t just represent themselves—they carried the weight of their children’s hungry eyes and their wives’ worried faces. Joseph’s years of preparation suddenly became personal. Every grain of wheat he had stored now held the power to preserve not just strangers, but the very family that had once rejected him.

This reveals preparation’s deeper purpose. We prepare not just for ourselves, but for generations. Like Abraham journeying to an unseen land for descendants yet unborn, our sacrifices today carve paths of provision for tomorrow’s travelers.

The Sacred Mathematics of Sacrifice

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:24 (NASB)

Joseph understood a divine principle: that preservation requires sacrifice. Each bushel of grain stored meant less profit today. Each new granary built meant resources diverted from immediate pleasure. Yet these sacrifices operated on God’s multiplication principle—what is surrendered in love often returns multiplied in impact.

This same principle echoed through history. Moses sacrificed palace privilege to preserve his people. Esther risked her life to save her nation. Each understood that love’s greatest expressions often require love’s deepest sacrifices.

The Heart’s Preparation

“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself…” – Daniel 1:8 (NASB)

Physical preparation without heart preparation is merely hoarding. What set Joseph apart wasn’t just his administrative skill—it was his prepared heart. Years of personal betrayal and hardship had cultivated in him a spirit capable of seeing beyond personal vengeance to divine purpose.

This teaches us that true preparation begins within. Like Daniel purifying his heart in Babylon, or David developing his character in the wilderness, our greatest preparation may be the internal work of surrendering bitterness for love, fear for faith, and self-preservation for sacrificial service.

Love’s Labor Now

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” – Proverbs 3:27 (NASB)

Today’s prosperity is tomorrow’s provision waiting to be preserved. The resources we steward now—our time, energy, finances, skills—aren’t just for present comfort but for future care of those God entrusts to us. This might mean:

• Choosing simpler living to create resource reserves
• Developing skills that could serve others in crisis
• Building relationships that could become support networks
• Storing provision with a generous spirit

Prayer for Sacrificial Hearts

Father of all provision, give us Joseph’s vision to see beyond today’s comfort to tomorrow’s need. Grant us the courage to sacrifice present ease for future preservation. Help us prepare not from fear but from love, not for self but for service. May our hearts be as prepared as our storehouses, ready to distribute with wisdom and grace when the time comes. Shape us into vessels of Your provision for our families and communities. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4 (NASB)

Remember: Your sacrifices today are love letters to tomorrow’s needs. Like Joseph, your willingness to prepare despite misunderstanding may become the miracle someone else is praying for. In God’s economy, no act of love is ever wasted—especially the love that looks ahead and prepares the way for others.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NASB)

Leading Through the Storm: Lessons from Joseph’s Divine Authority

by Joseph | Dec 16, 2024 | Sharing

Like many people, I have often battled with life’s challenges.  I’ve struggled at times to embrace what I believe is God’s call and assignment – and I’ve often questioned my own abilities to handle the positions I’ve been entrusted.  It’s been encouraging to study and understand how Joseph handled his Divine assignment.

In times of crisis, true leadership emerges not from titles or position, but from divine preparation and positioning. Perhaps no biblical account illustrates this more powerfully than Joseph’s rise to authority in Egypt. Here was a young Hebrew slave, suddenly elevated to become second only to Pharaoh himself. “You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage” (Genesis 41:40).

But what caught Pharaoh’s attention wasn’t just Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams – it was the spirit of divine wisdom that flowed through his leadership. “Then Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?'” (Genesis 41:38). This reveals our first crucial insight: true authority flows from God’s presence in our lives, not from our own capabilities.

Consider the extraordinary transition. One day, Joseph was a prisoner; the next, he held the keys to Egypt’s survival. “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen” (Genesis 41:41-42). This wasn’t just a promotion – it was a divine positioning for purpose.

The Foundation of Divine Authority

Notice what preceded Joseph’s elevation. Through years of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, God was building character that could handle crisis-level authority. “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him” (Psalm 105:19). Leadership capacity is forged in the furnace of trials.

Joseph’s response to his sudden authority reveals several crucial leadership principles:

1. He immediately took action: “Then Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:46). True leaders don’t wait for perfect conditions – they move with purpose and urgency.
2. He implemented systematic solutions: “Let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain” (Genesis 41:35). Vision without organization is just dreaming.
3. He thought beyond the immediate crisis: “The food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine” (Genesis 41:36). Leaders must see beyond current circumstances to prepare for future challenges.

Embracing Full Authority

One of the most striking aspects of Joseph’s leadership was his complete embrace of the authority given to him. He didn’t shrink back with false humility or hesitate with self-doubt. When Pharaoh said, “Without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:44), Joseph accepted this authority as a divine responsibility.

This teaches us something profound about godly leadership: when God positions us for purpose, false humility can be as dangerous as pride. “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Leading Through Chaos

When the famine hit, Joseph’s leadership truly shined. “When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you shall do'” (Genesis 41:55).

Notice several key qualities:

1. He remained calm in crisis: There’s no record of Joseph panicking or wavering. His preparation gave him confidence.
2. He administered with wisdom: “Joseph opened all the storehouses” (Genesis 41:56). He didn’t release everything at once but managed resources wisely.
3. He maintained perspective: Even in managing a crisis, he never forgot that he was serving God’s larger purpose: “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).

The Divine Pattern of Authority

Joseph’s leadership reveals a pattern for those God calls to lead:

1. Divine Preparation: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:1). God prepares us through experiences we often don’t understand at the time.
2. Divine Positioning: “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). God positions us strategically for His purposes.
3. Divine Purpose: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10).

Taking Full Charge of Divine Assignments

When God gives us an assignment, He also gives us the authority to complete it. Like Joseph, we must:

1. Accept the authority: Don’t minimize or shrink from what God has given you to do.
2. Act decisively: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23).
3. Administer wisely: Lead with both confidence and humility, knowing the authority comes from God.

The Heart of True Leadership

Joseph’s ultimate success wasn’t just in saving Egypt – it was in fulfilling God’s larger purpose of preserving His people. “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

This reveals the heart of true leadership: it’s not about our elevation but about God’s purpose. When we embrace divine authority with this perspective, we lead not from position but from purpose.

Let us pray: Father, like Joseph, help us to embrace the full authority You give us for Your purposes. Remove false humility and fear that would hold us back from fully stepping into Your assignments. Grant us wisdom to lead in times of crisis, keeping our eyes fixed on Your larger purpose. Help us to lead with both confidence and humility, knowing that all authority comes from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remember: When God gives you an assignment, He also gives you the authority to complete it. Don’t shrink back – step fully into what He has called you to do. Your leadership, like Joseph’s, might be the very means through which God preserves and protects His people in times of crisis.

When Wisdom Looks Like Folly: The Courage to Prepare

by Joseph | Dec 10, 2024 | Sharing

“The wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter.” – Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NASB)

Imagine the whispers in Egypt’s marketplaces. Picture the sideways glances and subtle head-shaking as Joseph ordered the construction of yet another granary during a time of unprecedented abundance. “Why store so much when the harvests are plenty?” they must have wondered. “Surely this Hebrew dreamer has lost his mind.”

A thousand years earlier, the same whispers had followed Noah. Year after year, the master shipbuilder labored under cloudless skies, constructing an ark for a flood no one could imagine. Century after century, this story of steadfast preparation would echo through time, speaking to those rare souls who dare to prepare for what others cannot see.

The Loneliness of Divine Foresight

“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” – Hebrews 11:7 (NASB)

There’s a unique kind of loneliness that comes with divine foresight. Noah felt it with every hammer stroke that echoed across dry land. Joseph experienced it as he systematically stored grain during years of plenty. Even the prophet Elijah understood it when he declared a drought under clear skies.

These men share a common thread: they acted on God’s wisdom when it appeared foolish to everyone else. Their stories teach us that godly preparation often looks like folly to a world drunk on temporary abundance.

The Weight of Sacred Knowledge

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)

Consider Joseph’s position. God had revealed through Pharaoh’s dreams what no economist could predict: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of devastating famine. This knowledge was both a privilege and a burden. With revelation came responsibility—the responsibility to act while others remained comfortably oblivious.

In our own time, we too may feel the weight of understanding seasons. When God opens our eyes to see beyond current prosperity, it carries an obligation to act. Like Joseph, we might find ourselves taking steps that others consider excessive or unnecessary.

The Courage to Look Foolish

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB)

Perhaps the greatest test in preparation isn’t the work itself—it’s enduring the skepticism of others. When Noah built the ark, he wasn’t just constructing a vessel; he was building a testimony. Every plank laid was a declaration of faith in God’s word over popular opinion.

Joseph faced similar challenges. Imagine explaining to Egyptian officials why they needed to systematically store grain during the most prosperous period in memory. His position as Pharaoh’s appointed leader didn’t shield him from questioning glances and doubtful murmurs.

The Hidden Wisdom in Preparation

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NASB)

There’s a profound irony in how God’s wisdom often appears. Noah’s ark seemed unnecessary until the first raindrop fell. Joseph’s granaries looked excessive until the famine began. The five wise virgins’ extra oil appeared wasteful until the bridegroom delayed.

This pattern reveals a crucial truth: Godly preparation often seems excessive until it becomes essential. Like a life insurance policy, its value isn’t apparent until it’s needed. Yet when that moment comes, the difference between those who prepared and those who scoffed becomes stark indeed.

The Prosperity Paradox

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” – Proverbs 27:12 (NASB)

Here’s a startling insight from Joseph’s story: The greatest threat to preparation isn’t adversity—it’s prosperity. During abundance, preparation looks unnecessary. The marketplaces are full, the crops are plenty, and the future seems secure. Yet it was precisely during Egypt’s most prosperous period that preparation was most crucial.

This paradox speaks powerfully to our time. When markets are strong and shelves are stocked, the call to prepare sounds like paranoia. But prosperity has always been God’s preferred time for preparation. The wise steward knows that abundance is not an invitation to indulgence but an opportunity for preparation.

The Ministry of Preparation

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NASB)

What’s often overlooked in these biblical accounts is how personal preparation became public provision. Noah’s ark didn’t just save his family—it preserved the animal kingdom. Joseph’s storehouses didn’t just protect Egypt—they saved surrounding nations, including his own family.

This reveals preparation’s higher purpose: it’s not merely about personal survival but about positioning ourselves to be God’s instruments of provision for others. When we prepare with God’s wisdom, we become part of His supply line in times of scarcity.

The Call to Courageous Preparation

Today, you might feel the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit calling you to prepare. Like Noah, you might not see storm clouds. Like Joseph, you might be surrounded by abundance. Yet something within you resonates with the call to prepare.

Remember: wisdom often looks like folly until time proves it right. Noah endured decades of mockery before the first raindrop fell. Joseph stored grain for seven years before the famine began. Their vindication came not from human approval but from divine timing.

Prayer for Preparatory Wisdom

Father, grant us the courage of Noah and the wisdom of Joseph. Help us hear Your voice above the crowd’s opinions. Give us strength to prepare when others doubt, and wisdom to steward abundance with eternity in view. May our preparation position us to be instruments of Your provision for others in times of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

Remember: The same God who vindicated Noah’s building and Joseph’s storing is calling His people to prepare today. Your obedience, though misunderstood now, may become someone else’s miracle tomorrow.

The Courage to Prepare: When God’s Call Conflicts with Our Comfort

by Joseph | Dec 1, 2024 | Sharing

In the quiet moments of our faith journey, God sometimes whispers directions that our emotions often resist. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the call to prepare – whether for ministry, for challenges ahead, or for serving others in times of need. Our feelings often push against such promptings because they often take us out of our comfort zone.  We often outright dismiss the leading of God and ignore the call as unnecessary worry or perhaps question if we truly heard from God at all.

Consider Joseph in Egypt. When God revealed the coming famine through Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph faced a monumental task. “Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance” (Genesis 41:34). Imagine the doubts that must have assailed him. Who was he, a former prisoner, to implement such a vast program? What if the dreams were misinterpreted? What if people resisted giving up their grain?

Yet Joseph’s response teaches us something profound about moving forward despite our doubts. He didn’t wait until he felt completely confident. He didn’t allow his emotions – which surely included fear, uncertainty, and perhaps even memories of past betrayals – to override God’s clear direction.

“Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:46). Young, likely still carrying emotional scars from his brothers’ betrayal and his time in prison, Joseph nevertheless moved forward. His obedience wasn’t based on feelings but on faith in the God who had proven faithful through every pit and prison.

This intersection of divine calling and human doubt often becomes most apparent when God calls us to prepare for future challenges. Like Noah building an ark before any rain fell, we may find ourselves called to take actions that don’t make emotional sense. Our feelings cry out, “But everything seems fine!” or “What will others think?”

Consider these words from Proverbs: “A prudent person sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). Notice it doesn’t say the prudent person feels like taking refuge – they simply act on what they see, guided by wisdom rather than emotion.

The paralysis of doubt often manifests in three deceptive questions:

First: “Did I really hear from God?” This was likely the same doubt that plagued Noah during those long years of ark-building under clear skies. Yet Scripture teaches us that God’s voice becomes clearer as we obey: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:17). Understanding often follows obedience, not the other way around.

Second: “What if I’m overreacting?” Joseph could have easily dismissed the dreams as mere coincidence. After all, Egypt had survived famines before. But wisdom often requires acting before the crisis is evident: “The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts” (Proverbs 14:8, TLB).

Third: “What will others think?” This doubt particularly stings when preparing for uncertain futures. Yet Scripture repeatedly shows God calling people to prepare in ways that seemed foolish to others. “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark” (Hebrews 11:7).

Joseph’s story provides a masterclass in overcoming these doubts. Notice his approach:

1. He focused on God’s revelation rather than his emotions. When interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph immediately pointed to God: “It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do” (Genesis 41:28).
2. He acted with wisdom rather than waiting for feelings of certainty. “The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants” (Genesis 41:37). Joseph didn’t wait until everyone felt emotionally ready – he implemented necessary actions based on divine wisdom.
3. He prepared systematically despite uncertain timing. “Let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming” (Genesis 41:35). Joseph didn’t allow the abundance of the present to lull him into complacency about the future.

But perhaps most importantly, Joseph understood something we often forget: Preparation isn’t just about survival – it’s about service. “The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph” (Genesis 41:57). His obedience to prepare, despite his doubts, positioned him to save not only Egypt but surrounding nations, including the very family that had betrayed him.

This reveals a crucial truth: When God calls us to prepare, it’s rarely just for our own benefit. Like Joseph, our obedience in preparing – whether spiritually, materially, or both – often becomes the means through which God provides for others.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place” (Esther 4:14). Mordecai’s words to Esther remind us that God’s purposes will be accomplished – the question is whether we will overcome our doubts to participate in His plan.

Moving forward despite our doubts requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Instead of asking, “Do I feel certain enough?” we must ask, “Is God faithful enough?” The answer to the second question never changes, even when our feelings do.

Consider this promise: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Notice the three counterweights to fear: power (God’s ability working through us), love (focus on serving others), and discipline (action based on truth rather than feelings).

When God calls you to prepare – whether for ministry, for challenges ahead, or for serving others – remember:

Your emotions are real, but they’re not reliable guides. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Your doubts don’t disqualify you. Joseph served God effectively despite his youth and past trauma. “Let no one look down on your youthfulness” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Your obedience matters more than your feelings. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

Let us pray: Father, like Joseph, help us to move forward in obedience when You call us to prepare, even when our emotions resist. Give us wisdom to distinguish between anxiety-driven fear and Your divine prompting. Help us to act not based on our feelings but on Your faithfulness. Guide us in preparing not just for our own security but for the service of others. And remind us that, like Joseph, our current trials may be preparation for future ministry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Silent Chains: When Emotions Masquerade as God’s Voice

by Joseph | Nov 27, 2024 | Sharing

Prepare to Battle The Subtle Deception

Have you ever noticed how our emotions can become like Pharaoh’s taskmasters? They crack their whips, demanding our obedience, insisting we listen to their voices above all others – even God’s. Perhaps most dangerously, they often disguise themselves as divine guidance, wrapping our own comfortable feelings in spiritual language to justify the paths we already want to take.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). How often do we say “God is leading me” when really we’re following the familiar pathway of our emotions? We might feel anxious about a decision and interpret that anxiety as “God’s warning,” when it’s simply our fear of change speaking. Or we might feel peace about a choice that goes against God’s Word, mistaking our emotional comfort for divine approval.

Understanding Our Emotional History

Our emotions don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re shaped by every experience we’ve lived through, every wound we’ve suffered, every victory we’ve celebrated. “Remember the former things long past” (Isaiah 46:9) isn’t just about historical events – it’s a recognition that our past experiences color how we interpret the present.

Satan, the master deceiver, understands this all too well. He knows exactly how to play upon our emotional history to create confusion and doubt. Consider Eve in the garden. The serpent didn’t begin with a direct lie but with a subtle question that stirred emotional uncertainty: “Indeed, has God said…?” (Genesis 3:1). He used this emotional manipulation to make Eve question what she knew to be true.

Learning from Joseph’s Journey

Consider Joseph, thrown into a pit by his own brothers. Imagine the crushing weight of betrayal, the suffocating fear, the burning anger that must have settled in his heart. These emotions had every right to become his masters. How easy it would have been for him to say, “God is telling me to take revenge” when it was really his hurt speaking. Yet somehow, in that dark pit and later in prison, Joseph learned to distinguish between his emotional voice and God’s true leading.

“But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him” (Genesis 39:21). Notice the profound truth here – God’s presence didn’t prevent Joseph’s imprisonment, but it gave him clarity to see beyond his emotions. While his feelings screamed “despair!” and demanded “revenge!”, Joseph chose to listen to a different voice.

The Enemy’s Manipulation

Look at how the enemy worked against Peter. Jesus warned him, “Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). What was this sifting? It wasn’t physical torture but emotional manipulation. Satan used Peter’s fear, his pride, and his past experiences to lead him to deny the very Lord he loved. The enemy knew exactly which emotional triggers would cause Peter to falter.

“The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26). Why such strong words? Because our emotions, shaped by our experiences and often manipulated by the enemy, can be desperately unreliable. Think of how David’s emotions swung from confident praise to deep despair, sometimes in the same psalm. The difference was whether he was letting his feelings interpret his circumstances or letting God’s truth interpret his feelings.

The Jezebel Pattern: When Emotions Take Control

This struggle finds a darker mirror in the story of Jezebel. When Naboth refused to sell his vineyard, we see Jezebel consumed by rage and pride. These emotions weren’t just feelings; they became controlling forces that she likely mistook for righteous guidance. “So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal” (1 Kings 21:8). Her emotions didn’t just influence her – they possessed her, masquerading as justified actions.

How often do we find ourselves writing similar letters in our hearts? When anxiety whispers, “You must control this situation,” do we mistake it for God’s guidance? When shame declares, “You’ll never be enough,” do we accept it as divine truth? When bitterness insists, “You have the right to stay angry,” do we confuse it with God’s justice?

Finding God’s Still, Small Voice

Remember Elijah’s experience? God wasn’t in the wind, earthquake, or fire – all dramatic, emotional events. Instead, He spoke in “a still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, NKJV). This teaches us something crucial about distinguishing God’s leading from emotional reactions. While emotions are often loud and demanding, God’s voice tends to be quiet, steady, and consistent with His Word.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Notice it doesn’t say “trust in your peaceful feelings” or “follow your heart.” God’s leading often requires us to step beyond our emotional understanding.

Breaking Free

Breaking free from emotional bondage begins with recognition. We must honestly ask ourselves: Am I following God’s voice or am I following my feelings and calling it God’s voice? Like the Israelites who said, “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt” (Numbers 11:5), we often prefer the familiar slavery of our emotions to the uncertain freedom of true divine guidance.

The beautiful truth is that God doesn’t ask us to suppress our emotions but to surrender them to Him. David shows us this path: “Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). We bring our emotions to God, but we don’t let them make our decisions.

Finding True Peace

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons” (Romans 8:15). True peace comes not from following our comfortable emotions but from submitting them to our loving Father’s guidance. When we learn to distinguish His voice from our emotional echo chamber, we find a freedom that no feeling can give.

Prayer:

Father, forgive us for often mistaking our emotional comfort for Your guidance. Help us to discern between our feelings and Your voice. Like Joseph, help us see Your presence even when our emotions cloud our vision. Holy Spirit, grant us discernment to recognize when the enemy is manipulating our emotional history. Help us to still our rushing feelings so we can hear Your whisper clearly. Heal the wounds of our past that Satan would use against us, and anchor us in Your unchanging truth rather than our changing emotions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Walking in Wisdom: Hope and Preparedness for the Time Ahead

by Joseph | Nov 20, 2024 | Sharing

There’s a stirring in the hearts of believers around the world today – a sense that we’re witnessing the unfolding of ancient prophecies before our eyes. As we watch nations aligning in ways that echo Ezekiel’s prophecies of Gog and Magog, as we see the unprecedented movement of peoples and the explosion of knowledge that Daniel foresaw, many of us feel a quiet certainty that we’re living in extraordinary times.

Yet even as we witness these things, our hearts can remain at peace, anchored in the unwavering promises of God. “When these things begin to take place,” Jesus told us, “straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). What profound comfort these words bring! Even as we see the signs of challenging times ahead, we’re reminded that every shifting shadow in our world points toward the dawning of our greatest hope – the return of our Lord.

The prophecies we see potentially unfolding – the coalitions of nations from the north, the increasing tensions around Israel, the rapid advance of technology enabling global control systems – these weren’t revealed to frighten us, but to prepare us. Just as God warned Joseph about the coming famine in Egypt, these prophetic insights are gifts from a loving Father who wants His children to be ready for what lies ahead.

In times like these, I’m often reminded of Noah. Scripture tells us he spent decades building the ark under clear skies, likely enduring mockery from those who couldn’t imagine the flood to come. Noah’s preparation wasn’t born of fear, but of faith – a faith that moved him to act on God’s warning while continuing to live and work in hopeful obedience. “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household” (Hebrews 11:7).

We’re called to a similar wisdom today. The signs of the times – whether in the realignment of nations prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39, the increasing chaos in our world, or the technological developments that could enable the systems described in Revelation – these call us not to panic, but to prayerful preparation. Like Noah, we’re invited to take practical steps while keeping our eyes fixed firmly on God’s promises.

But what does this preparation look like? It begins, always, with our spiritual foundation. Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to emphasize the importance of being spiritually prepared for His return. The oil in their lamps represents the Holy Spirit and our ongoing relationship with God – something that can’t be borrowed or bought at the last minute. In these days, more than ever, we need to be deeply rooted in God’s Word, steadfast in prayer, and connected to the body of Christ.

Yet we also see throughout Scripture that spiritual wisdom often leads to practical action. Joseph’s close walk with God led him to store grain for seven years. The Proverbs 31 woman’s spiritual wisdom manifested in practical preparation for her household’s needs. The early church, warned of coming famine, organized relief efforts before the crisis hit. These examples remind us that trusting God doesn’t mean sitting idle – it means acting on the wisdom He provides.

Perhaps you’ve felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge to prepare – to set aside resources, to learn new skills, to strengthen community bonds. These promptings aren’t at odds with faith; they’re often expressions of it. Just as a parent provides for their children’s future needs, our heavenly Father often leads us to prepare for challenges He knows lie ahead.

But here’s the beautiful truth that sets believers apart: our preparation, while practical, is never merely about survival. It’s about being positioned to serve, to share, to be light in darkness. When we prepare with wisdom and faith, we’re able to be like the early church in Acts, who supported one another and reached out to their communities in times of crisis.

The prophecies we see unfolding remind us that time may be short, but they also remind us that God is sovereign. He who guided His people through the Red Sea, preserved them in exile, and protected the early church through persecution, remains just as faithful today. As we see the day approaching, we can prepare with hope, knowing that every sign pointing to troubled times also points to our coming redemption.

Friends, as we navigate these times together, let’s hold fast to the promise of Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Let’s prepare with wisdom but without fear, knowing that whatever lies ahead, our God goes before us. Let’s strengthen ourselves in Scripture, in prayer, in community, and in practical readiness – not out of anxiety, but out of faith in the One who holds tomorrow.

And as we do, may we remember that our ultimate preparation isn’t for tribulation, but for triumph. For while we may see the shadows lengthening, we know the dawn is coming. Every prophecy fulfilled, every sign manifested, brings us one step closer to that glorious day when our faith becomes sight and our preparation gives way to celebration.

Father, grant us wisdom for these times. Help us to prepare with prudence while trusting in Your providence. Keep our hearts at peace even as we take action, knowing that You are our ultimate security. Use us to be lights in the gathering darkness, ready to serve and share the hope we have in Christ. And strengthen our faith, knowing that every sign of the times is also a sign that points to Your faithful promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.