by Joseph | May 23, 2026 | Sharing
When God calls us to a purpose, it rarely comes with an easy path. Consider Joseph, whose journey from favored son to Egyptian prisoner to second-in-command of Egypt teaches us profound lessons about confronting our fears and insecurities while pursuing God’s calling. We are all confronted with many challenges in our world today. We see and hear so much turmoil that is often is overwhelming to the point that worry begins to burden our minds. While the concerns are real – it is often during these difficult times that God is actually preparing us for the work ahead. We should listen and prepare carefully during this time.
The Weight of the Call
Joseph’s story begins with dreams—divine visions that pointed to his future leadership (Genesis 37:5-11). Yet these dreams didn’t immediately lead to glory. Instead, they sparked jealousy among his brothers, resulting in his sale into slavery and eventual imprisonment. How many times must Joseph have questioned these dreams during his darkest moments?
Like Joseph, we often face situations that seem to contradict God’s promises. Perhaps you’ve felt God calling you to ministry, to start a business, or to step into leadership, but your current circumstances appear to be the opposite of that calling. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NAS).
Preparation in the Pit
What’s remarkable about Joseph’s time in Potiphar’s house and in prison is that he didn’t allow his circumstances to defeat him. Scripture tells us, “The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer” (Genesis 39:21, NAS). Even in confinement, Joseph developed his leadership abilities, managed responsibilities, and maintained his integrity.
This teaches us a crucial lesson: What we perceive as setbacks often serve as God’s training ground. Every challenge Joseph faced prepared him for his ultimate purpose. The administrative skills he learned as Potiphar’s servant and prison manager became invaluable when he later governed Egypt.
“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3, NAS).
Confronting Our Insecurities
When Pharaoh summoned Joseph to interpret his dreams, Joseph could have let insecurity paralyze him. After all, he was:
- A prisoner facing a king
- A foreigner in a strange land
- Someone who had previously interpreted dreams but saw no immediate benefit
- Responsible for advising on matters that could affect an entire nation
Yet Joseph’s response is telling: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer for his welfare” (Genesis 41:16, NAS). Instead of focusing on his inadequacies, Joseph redirected attention to God’s adequacy. This demonstrates a crucial principle: Our insecurities often stem from focusing on our own capabilities rather than God’s faithfulness.
Preparing for Difficulties While Maintaining Faith
Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams came with a sobering reality: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Rather than being paralyzed by this frightening future, Joseph immediately proposed a strategic plan (Genesis 41:33-36). This teaches us two vital principles:
- Acknowledge Potential Challenges “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the naive go on and suffer for it” (Proverbs 22:3, NAS). Joseph didn’t ignore the coming difficulties but prepared for them wisely.
- Act with Confidence in God’s Provision “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, NAS).
Moving Forward Despite Fear
What if Joseph had allowed fear to override his faith? What if he had declined the enormous responsibility of preparing Egypt for famine? The consequences would have been devastating not only for Egypt but for God’s chosen people, who were later saved from starvation through Joseph’s position and preparation.
This reminds us that our calling often extends beyond ourselves. When we allow fear to hold us back, we might be hindering not just our own destiny but God’s plan to bless others through us. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you… for God has not given us a spirit of timidity” (2 Timothy 1:6-7, NAS).
Practical Steps for Today
- Acknowledge Your Fears Bring your fears before God honestly. “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22, NAS).
- Focus on Preparation Like Joseph, use your current situation to develop skills and character that will serve your future calling.
- Remember God’s Faithfulness Keep a record of God’s past faithfulness to encourage you in present challenges. “Remember His wonders which He has done” (Psalm 105:5, NAS).
- Take Action Despite Fear Move forward in small steps, trusting God’s guidance. “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NAS).
Conclusion
Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace wasn’t just about personal triumph—it was about God’s sovereign plan working through human weakness and fear to accomplish divine purposes. Your calling may seem daunting, and the path ahead unclear, but remember: the same God who elevated Joseph from prisoner to prince is faithful to complete His work in you.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NAS).
Your fears and insecurities don’t disqualify you from God’s calling—they qualify you for His strength. Like Joseph, you may face pitfalls and prisons on your way to your purpose, but these are often the very experiences God uses to prepare you for your destiny. Move forward in faith, knowing that God’s calling always comes with His enabling.
by Joseph | May 23, 2026 | 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)
by Joseph | May 23, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
To keep me on track with my own preparations, I keep an updated list of my own activities and needs. It certainly helps me stay focused.
These are in no particular priority order, and this is not a complete list:
- Have started a vintage and heirloom seed (and seed potatoes) bank. Vegetables and flowers.
- Stocking URI products (dehydrated whole-food powder) for nutritional needs (has a 2 year shelf life)
- Currently ordering food items (ie. grains, canned goods, beans, etc) for long-term storage.
- Ordering food storage containers (food grade) for grains and dried food.
- Looking to install alternative energy source – (ie. solar power)
- I will continue working hard on my job, and trim expenses as much as possible to strengthen my financial position.
- IMPORTANT… Establishing an online income training system to help others transition to having the ability to earn income, without traveling. Helps tap into other economies all over the world.
- Stocking and upgrading hunting supplies (ammo, backpack, etc.)
- Stocking wood for heating/cooking. I am not concerned we will lose electricity, but am sensitive that we will need to conserve economic resources during a difficult economy.
- Establishing a supply of batteries (including rechargeable) and flashlights
- Searching for dehydrator and water purifier
- Installing wood heater in office and looking at installing a hand pump for well
- Preparing climate controlled storage for food/seeds
- looking at livestock options
- Working on developing barter system
- Looking to establish home meeting group to locally connect with people who are preparing.
- Maintain my blogsite to share my views on what is going on and where I believe things are headed. The site will be primarily information and content based – and will help with connecting and networking with others. By networking with like-minded people, I believe it will help in finding additional resources for supplies/information. It will also be an opportunity to encourage others and share Christ.
by Joseph | May 23, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
I’ve heard it said many times by many people that only the strong shall survive. From experience over the last 19 years of Pastoring, I have never seen this statement lived out in reality. There is always some set of circumstances and situations that ultimately destroy the strength of the human spirit. Fear seems to be the ultimate culprit of our demise.
In the beginning when Adam and Eve were in the garden yielded to sin, the first response after their disobedience was fear. They hid themselves. In other words their strength was gone. Our struggle with fear is well documented throughout scripture. It must be pointed out that thtis is the goal of enemy that we hide from God. Therefore, we can say that fear is one of the fundamental tools that Satan uses against us.
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by Joseph | May 23, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
People are now talking freely about “preparation”. Many do not know what they are preparing for, but many now feel a “leading” to prepare. It really doesn’t take much to see that “something” is about to happen, and those who are called – need to be ready and especially prepared to share and assist others.
I speak with people daily who are beginning to prepare. They are storing up food, water, and other provisions, and are establishing plans to help them cope during times of difficulties.
Now, I’m extremely pleased to see people beginning to prepare. There is a preparation urgency, so I believe it is important – on many levels.
But, also…
I believe it is essential that we prepare in our relationships. We must pray that Yah will bring our families to a place of preparation. Those who are emotionally fragile, will have a very difficult time during a crisis period. Those who have an “intellectual faith” will struggle in understanding why Yah is allowing such pain and suffering to happen. We need to be continually seeking the Father, and resting in the knowledge that He alone is in control.
I believe our preparations and storage are tasks that we all should undertake, however, we should not look on our provisions as our security. Our security is in He Who has called us to this moment, that we might share with those who will be afraid and hurting.
Our preparation in learning how to store food is just a task. If we are gripped by that which causes fear, and tremble with the chaos around us – we serve little purpose in sharing the hope of He who as given us His grace. If we are to share peace, we must have peace. The drama of chaos must be insignificant – as there will be many who will shudder during the storm. Those who are called to prepare will have the great blessing of offering comfort to those who are afraid – because we know the One who calms the storm.
I believe there is a time of great chaos coming to this land. Whatever the events that will create uncertainty, are only temporal. I also believe we face a constitutional crisis that will cause great troubles and struggle. It will be time like no other.
There is an urgency to prepare now. Pray without ceasing. Prepare your hearts and minds. Prepare your relationships. Be ready for that which you cannot plan or control.
by Joseph | May 23, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Emergency preparedness is an important part of taking care of your family. In addition to preparing for a possible natural or man-made disaster, by taking care of water and food storage, and having a first aid kit, you should also take steps to ensure that your finances will not be overtly affected by a wide scale situation, and that you will have enough funds on hand that will allow you to be mobile if needed. There are many different things that can be done to make you sleep easier at night, but the following are a few basic steps that should not be overlooked.
A big part of emergency preparedness is having cash available. This doesn’t mean funds in a savings account, money that in a normal situation would be easy to withdraw; it means actual cash that is hidden somewhere in your home that you can access if there is an emergency situation. If the power goes out throughout a large urban area, and for a long period of time, then credit card transactions and direct debit from your account may not be possible. If that is the case, then your foresight to have emergency cash on hand will serve you well, as it will probably be the only form of payment accepted.
After the situation has been resolved, then the next step is fixing the problems and confusion that occurred. Your emergency preparation should have involved making backup copies of all relevant data related to your finances. On an external drive, you should regularly backup any recent transactions made online, and your credit card information. The idea here is that even if there is a massive power surge that fries your computer, followed by a power failure, once things have been restored to normal you should be able to hook your external drive to an unaffected computer and recover all your data.
Another important step to being prepared for an emergency is having financial records and important contact numbers and names of people in a safe place. In fact, this information should ideally be stored in more than one place, in the event that the first location is compromised. Safe locations could involve an external hard drive, a safety deposit box, a home safe, or some other hidden location. Once the situation has been resolved, these records can be accessed and used to make a quick transition back to normal, and they can often suffice as evidence in case the original data has been lost or damaged.
It is hard to anticipate every eventuality, but one major part of emergency preparedness will always involve money. Make sure you have cash available for buying things even when there is no power, and make sure that you have a backup of financial records stored somewhere safe. It is not just the crisis that you need to prepare for. You need to make sure that when it is over that you and your family will be able to successfully survive the aftermath.
