Facing Overwhelming Discouragement in Times of Crisis
In times of crisis, whether personal, national, or global, preparedness becomes not just a matter of practicality but also a test of endurance, patience, and faith. Today, many face the challenges of navigating through unprecedented difficulties such as natural disasters, pandemics, and economic uncertainty. For those who take preparedness seriously, the weight of these responsibilities can be overwhelming. However, we are not the first to face such daunting tasks, nor are we alone in dealing with feelings of discouragement. The story of Joseph in the Bible serves as a profound example of how God can use overwhelming circumstances for good and how faith, vision, and perseverance can transform even the most discouraging of situations into opportunities for divine breakthrough.
This report will explore the story of Joseph as recorded in Genesis, reflecting on the immense responsibilities placed upon him and how he overcame discouragement. We will also connect this biblical narrative to the challenges we face today, highlighting how we can experience a “Joseph awakening” to meet the demands of our times with faith and perseverance.
1. The Story of Joseph: From Betrayal to Blessing
Joseph, the son of Jacob, was thrust into an unimaginable series of challenges at a young age. His story begins in Genesis 37 when his brothers, out of jealousy, sold him into slavery. Despite this betrayal, God had a plan for Joseph’s life that went far beyond what he or anyone around him could have imagined.
In Genesis 39:2-3 (NAS), we read:
“The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.”
Even though Joseph was a slave, God’s favor was upon him. However, things did not immediately improve. Joseph was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and thrown into prison. Yet, even in prison, God’s presence and favor continued to guide him.
In Genesis 39:21-22 (NAS), it says:
“But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. 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.”
Joseph’s circumstances seemed hopeless from the outside, but God’s unseen hand was preparing him for an even greater responsibility: leading Egypt through a devastating famine.
2. Joseph’s Overwhelming Task: Preparing for Famine
Joseph’s most significant challenge came when God gave him the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams in Genesis 41. The dreams predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to manage the nation’s resources and prepare for this looming crisis. The task was enormous—Joseph was charged with preparing an entire nation for seven years of scarcity. This required careful planning, resource management, and the ability to lead others in times of prosperity and trial.
Genesis 41:46-49 (NAS) describes Joseph’s diligence:
“Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. So he gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities; he placed in every city the food from its own surrounding fields. Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure.”
The responsibility was daunting, but Joseph remained steadfast. He understood that God had entrusted him with the task of preparing for the coming famine, and he did so with faith and perseverance.
3. The Discouragement Joseph Faced
Although Joseph was successful in his role, there were undoubtedly moments when the weight of the task was overwhelming. Leading a nation through years of both abundance and famine would have required an extraordinary amount of physical, emotional, and spiritual endurance. Joseph had to balance his personal feelings with his responsibility to the people of Egypt. The famine affected not only Egypt but also surrounding nations, and the burden of meeting their needs likely placed even more pressure on Joseph’s shoulders.
Joseph’s ability to remain faithful in the face of discouragement is a lesson for us today. Despite the challenges, Joseph kept his eyes on God’s plan and trusted that his obedience would lead to deliverance not only for Egypt but for his own family, who would later seek refuge from the famine.
4. Today’s Challenges and the Need for a Joseph Awakening
We find ourselves in a time when preparedness is more critical than ever. Natural disasters, pandemics, political unrest, and economic instability all pose threats that can overwhelm even the most prepared individuals and families. Just as Joseph was called to prepare for a time of crisis, so too are we called to be vigilant and ready for the challenges ahead.
The story of Joseph teaches us that discouragement will come, but it must not be allowed to derail our purpose. As we prepare for potential crises, it is essential to adopt a “Joseph awakening” mindset, understanding that our preparedness is not just for ourselves but for the greater good of those around us.
In Romans 5:3-4 (NAS), we are reminded:
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.”
Just as Joseph persevered through betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and famine, we too can persevere through the discouragements of our time. Our preparedness efforts may feel overwhelming at times, but they are building in us the character and endurance necessary to face future challenges with hope.
5. Encouragement for Today: Relying on God’s Strength
One of the most profound lessons from Joseph’s story is that he did not accomplish his task in his own strength. Throughout his journey, the Bible repeatedly emphasizes that “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, 21). In our preparedness efforts, we must also rely on God’s strength rather than our own. When we feel overwhelmed, we can turn to scriptures that remind us of God’s faithfulness.
Isaiah 41:10 (NAS) provides a powerful promise:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
This verse reassures us that we do not have to face the challenges of preparedness alone. Just as God upheld Joseph, He will uphold us in our efforts to prepare for the future.
Conclusion: Embracing the Joseph Awakening
The story of Joseph is not just a historical account but a living testament to how we can navigate overwhelming challenges today. The “Joseph awakening” calls us to recognize the divine purpose in our preparedness efforts. It invites us to see beyond the immediate discouragement and trust that God is working through our actions to provide for others, both in times of abundance and crisis.
As we prepare, let us remember that God is with us, guiding us through the difficulties and giving us the strength to persevere. In the end, just as Joseph’s faithful preparedness led to the salvation of many, so too can our efforts bring hope and provision to those around us in times of need.
Philippians 4:13 (NAS) reminds us:
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
With this in mind, let us rise to the challenge with a “Joseph awakening,” knowing that our preparedness today is part of God’s greater plan for tomorrow.
