The Precious Currency of Time: When Tomorrow Isn’t Promised

by Joseph | Nov 17, 2024 | Sharing

“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” – James 4:14 (NAS)

Have you ever watched someone blow out birthday candles and suddenly felt your heart sink? Another year gone. Another set of 365 days vanished like smoke. Time slips through our fingers like water, impossible to grasp or hold onto. Yet we often live as if we have an endless supply.

Today, as I was getting ready for work it really impacted me that there are so many minutes, hours, and years behind me.  I’ve always thought carefully about the time we have – and always tried to cherish each moment with the people I love.  Making the effort to really honor each moment still didn’t keep the time from rushing past me.  The thoughts and memories of my children seem like yesterday.  How can years have slipped by so quickly?

I am thankful for an eternity of time – that flows beyond this earthly life.

The Wake-Up Call We All Need

Picture this: You’re scrolling through your phone, maybe killing time while waiting in line for coffee. Suddenly, you see a post from an old friend – someone your age, someone who, like you, thought they had plenty of time. Except they didn’t. Their story ended mid-sentence, leaving behind half-written texts, uncompleted bucket lists, and words left unsaid to those they loved.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NAS)

This isn’t meant to scare you – it’s meant to wake you up. Each of us has exactly 1,440 minutes every day. No more, no less. The richest billionaire can’t buy an extra minute. The most brilliant scientist can’t invent more time. Time is the great equalizer, but it’s also our most overlooked blessing.

Joseph’s Journey: When Minutes Feel Like an Eternity

Consider Joseph, thrown into a pit by his own brothers. Can you imagine those minutes? The betrayal burning in his chest, the darkness pressing in, each second stretching like an eternity as he waited to learn his fate. Those minutes must have felt like years:

“They took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, without any water in it.” – Genesis 37:24 (NAS)

But here’s the thing about Joseph’s story that we often miss: he didn’t know he was in the middle of a story that would save nations. He didn’t know that each painful minute was building toward something greater. All he knew was that time was passing, and he had choices to make about how to use it.

The Minutes That Changed Everything

Think about these pivotal moments in Joseph’s life:

• The minutes he spent choosing forgiveness over bitterness in prison
• The seconds it took to interpret Pharaoh’s dream that would save Egypt
• The moment he chose to reveal himself to his brothers, trading vengeance for reconciliation

“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 (NAS)

The Reality Check We All Need

Let’s get painfully honest for a moment. Think about yesterday – can you account for all 1,440 minutes? How many were spent:

• Scrolling mindlessly through social media?
• Putting off that important conversation because it felt awkward?
• Saying “we’ll catch up soon” to people you truly miss?
• Waiting for the “perfect time” to pursue that God-given dream?

“Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:16 (NAS)

The Brutal Math of Time

Here’s some math that might keep you up tonight: If you’re lucky enough to live to 80, you have about 29,200 days total. Now subtract your current age. How many days are left? Now consider:

• How many more times will you get to hug your parents?
• How many more summers do you have with your kids before they’re grown?
• How many more chances will you have to tell someone about Jesus?

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” – James 4:14 (NAS)

The Urgency of Now

Joseph’s story teaches us that preparation can’t wait. When God revealed seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, Joseph didn’t procrastinate. He acted immediately:

“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 (NAS)

This wasn’t just about storing grain – it was about recognizing that time is a gift that demands immediate action. Joseph understood what we often forget: tomorrow’s opportunities require today’s preparation.

The People Factor: What Really Matters

Think about Joseph’s reunion with his father Jacob. After years of separation, thinking his son was dead, Jacob finally held Joseph again:

“Then Joseph fell on his father’s neck and wept on his neck a long time.” – Genesis 46:29 (NAS)

How many of us have people in our lives right now that we need to “fall on their neck and weep” with? How many relationships are we taking for granted, assuming there will always be another day, another chance, another tomorrow?

Making Minutes Count: Practical Steps

1. Start Today’s Revolution
   • Write down the names of three people you need to prioritize
   • Schedule specific times to connect with them this week
   • Turn off notifications during these dedicated times
2. Prepare Like Joseph
   • What skills do you need to develop for tomorrow’s challenges?
   • What spiritual disciplines need attention now?
   • What relationships need investment today?
3. Live with Eternal Perspective
   • How will your use of time today impact eternity?
   • What legacy are you building with your minutes?
   • Where are you storing your treasures?

A Prayer for Time’s Stewardship

Father, the thought of time’s swift passage brings both grief and gratitude to our hearts. We grieve the minutes we’ve wasted, the opportunities we’ve missed, the relationships we’ve neglected. But we’re grateful that You’ve awakened us to time’s precious nature. Like Joseph, help us to see that every minute – even the painful ones – can be used for Your glory and others’ good.

Lord, give us wisdom to number our days. Give us courage to have the hard conversations now. Give us strength to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges today. And most of all, give us hearts that beat in rhythm with Your eternal purposes, making every minute count for Your kingdom.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NAS)

Remember: The next minute you have isn’t guaranteed, but it’s a gift. How will you spend it?

The Echo of Joseph: An Urgent Call for Today

by Joseph | Nov 16, 2024 | Sharing

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” – Jeremiah 1:5 (NASB)

The weight of rejection pressed down like a stone lid on Joseph’s makeshift prison. Thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison—each rejection seemed to echo the same devastating message: “You don’t matter.” Yet in the divine narrative, these very rejections were laying the foundation for one of history’s greatest acts of preservation.

In our own time of unprecedented prosperity and looming uncertainty, Joseph’s story whispers an urgent message to those with ears to hear. His journey from the pit to the palace carries a timely warning about preparation, purpose, and the dangerous comfort of abundance.

When Rejection Becomes Revelation

“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” – Hebrews 12:6 (NASB)

Consider how God’s preparation of Joseph defied all human logic. Each painful rejection actually positioned him closer to his destiny. In Potiphar’s house, rejection through false accusation led him to prison—where he would meet the cupbearer who would eventually remember him to Pharaoh. What appeared to be setbacks were actually divine setups, orchestrating circumstances for a revelation that would save nations.

This pattern reveals a profound truth: God often allows rejection to precede revelation. Like a master sculptor removing excess stone, each painful chip and cut serves to reveal the masterpiece within. Joseph’s rejections weren’t random acts of misfortune; they were precise instruments of divine preparation.

The Deceptive Face of Prosperity

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” – Proverbs 22:3 (NASB)

Egypt’s seven years of abundance mirror our own era in haunting ways. Like us, they lived in a time of unprecedented prosperity. Markets flourished, granaries overflowed, and the very thought of scarcity seemed absurd. Yet it was precisely in this moment of abundance that God revealed the approaching famine.

The parallels to our time are striking. We too live in an age of remarkable plenty, where marketplace shelves groan under the weight of endless options, and digital abundance creates an illusion of inexhaustible resources. But Joseph’s story carries a warning: Prosperity can be a veil that blinds us to approaching storms.

The Hidden Grace of Preparation

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” – Colossians 3:23 (NASB)

What’s often overlooked in Joseph’s story is how God used seemingly mundane experiences to prepare him for his destiny. Managing Potiphar’s household taught him administration. Overseeing prison operations developed his leadership. Even learning Egyptian culture and language—necessary for survival—became essential tools for his future role.

In this light, our own daily responsibilities take on new significance. Today’s faithful stewardship of small things may be tomorrow’s qualification for greater purpose. The skills we develop now, the resources we steward, the relationships we build—all may be preparation for a divine assignment we cannot yet see.

The Urgency of Today’s Mandate

“Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:16 (NASB)

Joseph had a clear timeline—seven years to prepare for catastrophe. We may not have such clear markers, but the urgency remains. The window for preparation never looks crucial until it’s closing. Like the five foolish virgins who failed to prepare their oil, we risk missing our moment if we mistake prosperity for permanence.

This isn’t a call to fear, but to faithful stewardship. Joseph’s preparation wasn’t driven by panic but by purpose. He understood that tomorrow’s provision often depends on today’s preparation. His systematic approach—storing grain, establishing distribution centers, creating sustainable systems—wasn’t just agricultural planning; it was divine wisdom in action.

The Redemption of Rejection

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” – Psalm 118:22 (NASB)

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Joseph’s story is how God redeemed every rejection. The pit experience developed his perseverance. False accusations built his integrity. Prison strengthened his character. Each painful rejection became a building block in God’s preparatory foundation.

For us today, this means our past rejections may be preparation for future assignments. Those experiences that seemed to disqualify us might actually be qualifying us for a purpose we cannot yet see. Like Joseph, our setbacks may be setups for a greater story of preservation and provision.

A Call to Watchful Preparation

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)

The time for preparation is now, while resources are abundant and options are available. This preparation must be holistic—spanning our spiritual, practical, and relational lives. Like Joseph, we’re called to steward our resources with wisdom, develop our gifts with diligence, and maintain our integrity with vigilance.

The goal isn’t survival but service. Joseph’s preparation ultimately positioned him to preserve not just his own family but entire nations. Our own preparation may likewise be for purposes greater than personal preservation.

Prayer for Such a Time as This

Father, grant us Joseph’s wisdom to prepare in times of plenty and his courage to act with urgency. Help us see our past rejections as training grounds for future assignments. Give us discernment to recognize our window of opportunity and the discipline to act while there is still time. Make us faithful stewards of today’s resources for tomorrow’s needs. Let us be found ready, like Joseph, to serve Your purposes in our generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Remember: The same God who transformed Joseph from a rejected dreamer into Egypt’s savior is calling you to prepare. Your obedience today could be someone else’s provision tomorrow. The pit is not your end—it may be your beginning.

5 Proven Steps to Prepare for Crisis Like Joseph: Biblical Wisdom for Overcoming Tough Times

by Joseph | Nov 15, 2024 | Sharing

The story of Joseph in the Bible is one of overcoming adversity and mastering the art of preparedness. It’s not just an ancient narrative; it’s a timeless guide for navigating challenging circumstances and preparing for potential difficulties ahead. Joseph’s strategic approach to the crisis in Egypt can teach us how to prepare effectively today. By examining his actions, we uncover a five-step plan that helped him overcome immense obstacles and save an entire nation. Let’s explore this plan and see how we can apply it to our own lives to help us prepare.

Step 1: Start with Divine Insight

Joseph’s preparedness journey didn’t begin with a stockpile of goods; it started with seeking insight from God. When Pharaoh had troubling dreams that no one could interpret, Joseph boldly declared that understanding came only from God.

“Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’” (Genesis 41:16 NAS)

Joseph recognized the importance of divine guidance in uncertain times. Instead of relying on human wisdom, he trusted God to reveal the truth. This is the foundational step for any effective plan. When we face potential crises, our first response should be to seek God’s wisdom, inviting Him into our planning process.

Takeaway:
Before making any major decisions, pause and pray. Ask God to reveal what is needed and how to proceed. Trusting in our own understanding can lead us astray, but seeking divine insight aligns our actions with God’s will.

Action Step:
Spend time in prayer and meditation today, asking God for wisdom and clarity in any areas of uncertainty in your life. Write down any thoughts or impressions that come to mind as you seek His guidance.

Step 2: Face Reality with Courage

Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams was sobering: seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of severe famine. Rather than shy away from this grim reality, Joseph faced it head-on and began planning.

“The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same; God has told Pharaoh what He is about to do.” (Genesis 41:25 NAS)

Avoiding hard truths doesn’t change them. Joseph’s success was rooted in his willingness to confront the situation directly. He didn’t deny the coming crisis or hope it would resolve itself.  He also didn’t get panicked or fearful.  Instead, by Faith, he prepared a strategic plan.

Takeaway:
Acknowledging the reality of our circumstances is essential for effective preparation. It takes courage to face potential challenges, but ignoring them only leads to greater hardship.

Action Step:
Take an honest look at your current situation. Are there warning signs you’ve been ignoring? Whether it’s financial, health-related, or concerns about global events, make a list of potential issues you need to address.

Step 3: Store Up Wisely During Times of Plenty

During the seven years of abundance, Joseph gathered and stored grain, preparing for the famine that would follow. He didn’t squander the resources of plenty; he maximized them.

“So 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)

This proactive step was critical to Egypt’s survival. Joseph understood that preparation during times of abundance is key to overcoming future shortages. He set up storehouses and filled them diligently, making sure there was enough to sustain the nation through the lean years.

Takeaway:
When resources are plentiful, it’s easy to be wasteful or assume the good times will last forever. Instead, use periods of abundance as opportunities to save and prepare for the unexpected.

Action Step:
Evaluate your current resources. Are you using your financial, physical, and spiritual blessings wisely? Consider setting aside an emergency fund, stocking up on essential supplies, or learning new skills that may be valuable in times of scarcity.

Step 4: Work Diligently and Execute Your Plan

Planning without action is meaningless. Joseph not only created a plan; he carried it out with diligence. He didn’t cut corners or procrastinate but worked tirelessly to ensure the success of his preparedness efforts.

“Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure.” (Genesis 41:49 NAS)

Joseph’s dedication ensured that Egypt was ready when the famine struck. He didn’t leave things to chance; he worked with purpose and discipline. This step is a reminder that preparedness requires ongoing effort and commitment.

Takeaway:
The best plans require hard work and follow-through. Staying diligent, even when the task seems overwhelming, can make all the difference when challenges arise.

Action Step:
Review your current preparedness plans. Are there areas where you’ve stalled or lost momentum? Set small, achievable goals for the week ahead and focus on consistent progress.

Step 5: Be Generous and Use Your Preparedness to Help Others

When the famine hit, Joseph didn’t hoard the resources he had gathered. He opened the storehouses and provided for both the Egyptians and the surrounding nations, becoming a source of life and sustenance in a time of great need.

“When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:56 NAS)

Joseph’s preparedness wasn’t just for his own benefit; it was a means of serving others. His foresight and generosity saved countless lives. In the same way, our preparedness efforts should be guided by a heart of compassion. When we plan ahead, we not only protect ourselves but also position ourselves to help those in need.

Takeaway:
True preparedness is rooted in love and generosity. By sharing what we have stored, we reflect God’s heart and His provision for all people. Preparedness is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving together as a community.

Action Step:
Consider ways you can use your resources to help others. Whether it’s sharing food, offering a helping hand, or giving encouragement, look for opportunities to bless those around you. Make a list of people you could support if a crisis arises and pray for the chance to serve them well.
Conclusion

Joseph’s five-step plan provides a powerful example of how to navigate difficult times with faith, wisdom, and action. He sought divine guidance, faced reality with courage, stored up resources wisely, executed his plan diligently, and used his preparedness to bless others. In our world today, where uncertainties and challenges abound, we can follow Joseph’s blueprint to build a resilient life rooted in faith.

By trusting God’s wisdom, being proactive, and cultivating a spirit of generosity, we can overcome obstacles and help save not only our own families but also our communities. Let’s be like Joseph, preparing wisely so that we can stand strong in times of crisis and be a beacon of hope for those around us.

FAQ

1. Why is preparedness important in our faith journey?
Preparedness is a sign of wisdom and stewardship. It allows us to face challenges with confidence and serve others in need.

2. How can we seek God’s guidance like Joseph did?
We can pray, study Scripture, and ask the Holy Spirit to give us discernment and wisdom in our decision-making.

3. What resources should we be storing up?
Consider storing food, water, emergency supplies, financial reserves, and developing skills that may be needed in times of crisis.

4. How can we maintain diligence in our preparedness efforts?
Set clear goals, make a plan, and ask God for the strength to remain committed even when it feels difficult.

5. How can we use our preparedness to serve others?
Be generous and open-handed, sharing what you have stored with those in need, trusting that God will continue to provide as you give.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the example of Joseph. Help us to seek Your wisdom first and to act with courage and diligence as we prepare for whatever lies ahead. Teach us to store up wisely and to use what we have for the good of others. May our actions reflect Your love and provision in every season. Amen.

The Paradox of Preparation: Lessons from Joseph’s Extremes

by Joseph | Nov 13, 2024 | Sharing

“But his bow remained firm, and his arms were agile, from the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob.” – Genesis 49:24 (NASB)

In our Instagram-filtered world, we often see life as a journey from struggle to success—a straight line from the pit to the palace. Yet Joseph’s story reveals a more nuanced truth: the real challenge isn’t just surviving the valleys or reaching the peaks—it’s maintaining spiritual equilibrium in both extremes.

The Danger of Defining Moments

Consider this: Which was Joseph’s defining moment? Was it the day his brothers threw him into the pit, or when Pharaoh placed his ring on Joseph’s finger? Our instinct says the promotion, but here’s the paradox: both moments carried equal spiritual danger.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

Joseph’s story isn’t just about rising from slavery to sovereignty; it’s about maintaining the same spiritual DNA in radically different circumstances. In the pit, he faced the temptation of despair. In the palace, he faced the seduction of self-sufficiency. Both extremes threatened to disconnect him from his divine purpose.

The Prosperity Paradox

“I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” – Philippians 4:12 (NASB)

Here’s a thought that might challenge us: Was Joseph in more spiritual danger when he was interpreting dreams in prison or when he was controlling the ancient world’s food supply? Prosperity often does what persecution cannot—it subtly shifts our dependence from God to our own capabilities.

When Joseph stored grain during the seven prosperous years, he wasn’t just practicing good administration—he was demonstrating a profound spiritual truth: abundance requires more discipline than scarcity. In abundance, he remained the same Joseph who had learned dependence in the pit.

The Mathematics of Mercy

“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place?'” – Genesis 50:19 (NASB)

Consider this startling calculation: Joseph spent 13 years in slavery and prison, followed by seven years of abundance, then two years of famine before reuniting with his family. That’s 22 years of character formation before his moment of truth—facing his brothers.

The mathematical precision of God’s timing reveals something profound: steadfastness isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about becoming the kind of person who can handle both revenge and responsibility when the time comes.

The Strategic Silence of God

“Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.” – Psalm 105:19 (NASB)

One of the most overlooked aspects of Joseph’s story is God’s apparent silence. Unlike Abraham, Moses, or David, we never read of God speaking directly to Joseph. Yet Joseph’s life demonstrates something remarkable: steadfastness doesn’t require constant divine confirmations.

This carries a powerful message for us today: Sometimes God’s silence isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. Joseph learned to read God’s handwriting in the circumstances of his life, a skill more valuable than hearing occasional divine announcements.

The Preparation Principle

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.” – Proverbs 27:12 (NASB)

Joseph’s preparation for famine offers us a revolutionary perspective: preparation isn’t a lack of faith—it’s faith in action. Consider this fresh angle: The same Joseph who trusted God enough to interpret dreams also trusted God enough to build granaries.

This teaches us something profound about modern preparation:

• Financial wisdom isn’t faithlessness
• Strategic planning isn’t spiritual compromise
• Resource management isn’t lack of trust

Instead, these are expressions of the same faith that sustains us in trials.

The Steadfast Spectrum

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)

Joseph’s life reveals that steadfastness operates on a spectrum:

• In the pit: steadfast hope
• In Potiphar’s house: steadfast integrity
• In prison: steadfast service
• In the palace: steadfast humility
• In prosperity: steadfast wisdom
• In power: steadfast mercy

Each phase required a different expression of the same core faithfulness.

The Modern Application Matrix

For today’s believers facing uncertain times, Joseph’s life offers a framework for balanced preparation:

1. Spiritual Preparation:
   • Develop pit-tested faith
   • Build palace-proven character
   • Maintain desert-deep devotion
2. Practical Preparation:
   • Create strategic reserves
   • Develop multiple skill sets
   • Build sustainable systems
3. Relational Preparation:
   • Cultivate trustworthy connections
   • Maintain integrity in all dealings
   • Practice preemptive forgiveness

The Counter-Cultural Calling

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Here’s a radical thought: What if God is calling us not just to survive coming challenges, but to become suppliers of hope and resources to others during them? Joseph’s preparation didn’t just save his family—it saved nations.

This perspective transforms our approach to preparation from survival to service, from stockpiling to stewardship.

The Future-Focused Faith

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)

Joseph’s story teaches us that true steadfastness isn’t just about maintaining—it’s about becoming. Each circumstance in his life wasn’t just a test to endure but a tool to shape him into someone who could carry the weight of his calling.

Prayer for Steadfast Hearts

Father, give us Joseph’s steadfastness—not just to survive trials or handle success, but to maintain our spiritual equilibrium in both. Help us prepare with wisdom, not fear; to store up resources with generosity, not greed; and to face uncertainty with faith-filled strategy, not anxious stockpiling. Make us channels of Your provision for others in the times ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 24:13 (NASB)

Remember: The same God who sustained Joseph through slavery, prison, and power is preparing you for your own divine appointments. Your steadfastness today isn’t just about survival—it’s about becoming the person God can trust with both trials and triumph tomorrow.