The story of Joseph in Egypt is a timeless example of how faith, wisdom, and practical action can prepare us for unforeseen challenges. Joseph’s journey from prisoner to a trusted leader in Pharaoh’s court, as recounted in Genesis, provides valuable insights into the steps of preparedness we should adopt today. Through his actions, we can see how trusting in God’s guidance, praying for wisdom, planning, saving, and leading by example prepared Joseph to face one of the greatest challenges of his time—a seven-year famine that affected the entire region. Here are the five essential steps Joseph took and how they can guide us in preparing for the difficult times ahead.
Step 1: Following God’s Leading
The foundation of Joseph’s success was his unwavering faith and his commitment to following God’s guidance. Even when he faced betrayal, imprisonment, and hardship, Joseph never lost sight of God’s presence in his life. His faith empowered him to act with integrity and seek God’s purpose in every circumstance. When Pharaoh shared his troubling dreams, Joseph responded by giving glory to God and sought His interpretation, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Genesis 41:16, NAS). Joseph’s commitment to following God’s guidance allowed him to interpret the dreams accurately and understand the upcoming famine.
Application Today: Just as Joseph followed God’s leading, we too must seek God’s guidance as the first step in our preparedness. Facing challenges without a foundation in faith can lead to fear and confusion. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “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” (NAS). By putting our trust in God, we gain clarity and strength to make wise choices and act with purpose, knowing He is with us through every trial.
Step 2: Praying for Wisdom and Discernment
Throughout his life, Joseph depended on God for insight and wisdom. After being promoted to a position of power, he prayed for discernment to execute the right steps to prepare Egypt. His insight into Pharaoh’s dreams was God-given, and his subsequent decisions reflected prayerful wisdom, showing that true discernment is rooted in a relationship with God. In James 1:5, we are reminded, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (NAS). Joseph’s life illustrates that God gives wisdom to those who seek it, enabling us to act wisely even in challenging times.
Application Today: When planning for the future, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Like Joseph, we should turn to prayer for wisdom and guidance. Whether facing economic uncertainty, family challenges, or health concerns, our preparedness should be guided by prayer. Through prayer, we find peace and gain clarity on the practical steps to take, ensuring that our actions align with God’s will.
Step 3: Creating a Strategic Plan
Joseph not only received revelation about the famine but also crafted a strategic plan to navigate it. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph advised him to “appoint overseers in the land and take a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance” (Genesis 41:34, NAS). Joseph’s plan included storing surplus grain during the years of plenty to ensure food was available when famine struck. This planning phase demonstrated Joseph’s wisdom and practical foresight.
Application Today: Strategic planning is an essential step in preparing for the unknown. While we may not face a literal famine, financial instability, natural disasters, or health crises can impact us at any time. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty” (NAS). Diligent planning in areas like budgeting, food security, and emergency resources ensures that we’re not caught off guard. By preparing intentionally, we build a foundation of stability for ourselves and those we care for.
Step 4: Saving and Storing Resources in Times of Abundance
A hallmark of Joseph’s preparedness was his commitment to saving during the years of abundance. By gathering and storing grain, Joseph ensured Egypt had reserves when scarcity struck. His discipline in saving was vital to Egypt’s survival during the seven-year famine. “He 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, NAS). Joseph’s actions teach us that saving during good times is essential to weathering the storms of difficult times.
Application Today: In today’s context, saving might include setting aside finances, building a pantry of essential supplies, or learning new skills. Proverbs 6:6-8 encourages us to be diligent like the ant, “which prepares its food in the summer and gathers its provision in the harvest” (NAS). By creating reserves when resources are plentiful, we protect ourselves and our families against potential hardships. Preparedness is an act of wisdom, reminding us that stability is built step by step, through disciplined and thoughtful saving.
Step 5: Leading by Example and Helping Others
The final step in Joseph’s preparedness was his leadership and willingness to help others. When famine spread throughout Egypt and surrounding regions, people traveled to Egypt to purchase grain. Through his actions, Joseph showed that preparedness is not merely for personal benefit but also for the good of others. Genesis 41:57 tells us, “The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth” (NAS). Joseph’s commitment to preparedness allowed him to provide not only for Egypt but also for those who came in need.
Application Today: Our preparedness journey can impact our families, communities, and even beyond. When we lead by example, others can see the value in planning and seeking God’s wisdom. Philippians 2:4 encourages us, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (NAS). When we build preparedness into our lives, we create a ripple effect of stability and hope, equipping ourselves to support others and offer a sense of security to those who may be struggling.
Conclusion: Preparedness as an Act of Faith and Obedience
Joseph’s preparedness was not merely a reaction to an impending crisis but a reflection of his faith, obedience, and trust in God. Each step—from seeking God’s guidance to leading by example—reveals a practical and spiritual journey of preparedness. His life is a testament to the importance of trusting in God’s timing, acting on His wisdom, and preparing for the unknown with a heart of stewardship.
For us today, these steps are more than historical insights; they are God-given principles for building resilience and hope in uncertain times. Following God’s leading, praying for wisdom, planning, saving, and helping others are pillars of a prepared life, equipping us to stand firm in faith, no matter what lies ahead. As Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-25, “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock” (NAS).
By grounding our preparedness in God’s wisdom, we build a firm foundation on the Rock of Christ, ready to face whatever trials may come. Just as Joseph’s actions provided life and hope during a time of famine, our preparedness can shine as a beacon of faith and stability to those around us, reflecting God’s love and provision in every season.
