by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Sharing
Today, I have a heavy heart and I just need to share and get it off my chest.
The Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe V. Wade is being celebrated by the Pro-Lifers, Church, and people of Faith. Groups all over the Country are gathering in public places to celebrate this ruling. No doubt, Churches will be rejoicing at the good news that the life of a fetus is being given an opportunity to survive.
While I am happy that we have laws to protect life, I’m not sure I can really rejoice in the Supreme Court decision. I don’t see a great victory for the Church in this ruling. In fact, I see it as more of a defeat. If the courts legislate moral decision, will the courts also stand before God at judgement day to advocate our individual choices? Absolutely, I believe in the protection of life of the unborn. That’s not why my heart is so burdened.
I am also certainly NOT standing on the side of anyone’s right to take a life, whether it is a fetus, adult, or elderly person. But, I believe we have so politicized the issue and placed so much energy into protecting the voiceless, we have missed so many opportunities to witness and share the Gospel with those who perhaps need someone to give them love. I fear we often have chosen to stand in our hubris self-righteousness and proclaim the goodness of God to advocate for the unborn, while we ignore the hurts of the wounded adult facing a scary life decision.
Has the Church really won with the Supreme Court decision? Have we been doing all we can to show love, grace and mercy as our Messiah showed us? Are we welcoming to others into our congregations without judgement and per-conceived opinions based on how someone looks or dresses? If I am not showing true love and concern for others that might show them a desire and reason to get to know my Messiah, how can I gloat in a victory that I’ve somehow saved a life of a child? Perhaps if I had been more loving and caring, the mother of that child would have seen hope in giving birth.
Believers need to carefully examine their hearts. Taking a victory lap now is disgusting – when we as a body have miserably failed with sharing the good news of salvation with those who need our Messiah. We want people to come “pre-cleaned” into our sanctuaries and congregations. We are uncomfortable with the flaws that we see in others, while we often ignore our own filth and refuse to believe we are flawed ourselves.
A day of reckoning is coming and we need to be prepared. There are billions of unborn people who are walking by us every day that we can actually save from eternal death – and it won’t come through legislation or Supreme Court rulings. It comes with a personal decision each of us has to surrender. There will be no Republican, or Democrat, or Supreme Court justice standing for me when our Messiah returns. It will be me standing and answering for my own actions and decisions.
Beyond the personal heart-challenge I’m wrestling with, I believe this new court decision has altered our opportunities as a body. We will see new oppression and violence. Those who are content to gather in the mega-comfort of a congregation and feel they have done their true service to God by sitting in a pew for an hour, may find the birth pangs a little more difficult going forward.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Sharing
Trusting in God’s Timing
In our Preparedness journey, there is so much we must deal with – and will face in the future. In Preparedness, the point is not to simply rush about because we have fear, but to prepare so we are a stable support for our family and others during times of difficulties. I believe God always has us preparing for things ahead. Life is filled with triumphs and difficulties – and we must be ready to handle whatever comes. God’s timing and training is perfect.
In a world that often demands instant gratification, learning to trust in God’s timing is a fundamental aspect of our faith journey. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who had to wait patiently for God’s plan to unfold in their lives. Abraham and Sarah waited decades for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son (Genesis 21:1-7). Joseph endured years of hardship before God elevated him to a position of authority in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43). Even Jesus, our ultimate example, waited until the appointed time to begin His earthly ministry (Luke 3:23).
These stories teach us that God’s timing is not just perfect; it is purposeful. Every moment of waiting is an opportunity for growth, refinement, and preparation. Romans 5:3-4 NIV reminds us, “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” As we wait upon the Lord, our character is shaped, our faith is strengthened, and our hope is renewed.
Trusting in God’s timing requires a deep, abiding faith in His goodness and sovereignty. It means believing that He is working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see or understand His hand at work. It is a daily choice to surrender our timeline to His divine plan, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
As we navigate the seasons of waiting in our lives, let us hold fast to the promise found in Habakkuk 2:3 NIV, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time… though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Let us find comfort in the knowledge that God’s timing is never late, never early, but always right on time.
- “He has made everything beautiful in its time…” – Ecclesiastes 3:11a NIV
- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess that waiting is not always easy. My heart longs for answers, for breakthroughs, and for the fulfillment of Your promises in my life. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing, even when I cannot see the full picture. Give me the strength to persevere, the faith to believe, and the patience to wait upon You. I choose to surrender my timeline to Your divine plan, knowing that You are working all things together for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | 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.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2026 | Sharing
“You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.” – Genesis 41:40 (NAS)
There are seasons in life when everything seems to unravel—when the trials pile up, the doors close, and our dreams feel distant and forgotten. It is in these wilderness seasons that God forges leaders. Joseph’s life is the ultimate testimony that what the enemy intends for evil, God redeems for purpose. His journey from favored son to slave, from prisoner to ruler, is not merely a story of resilience but a divine illustration of stepping into a God-ordained calling.
Joseph was given dreams as a young man—visions of leadership and divine favor. But the path to their fulfillment was anything but direct. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison—these were not detours but divine appointments. Every hardship Joseph endured became preparation for the moment God would call him forward. “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord refined him.” (Psalm 105:19 NAS)
When Pharaoh stood helpless before troubling dreams that none could interpret, Joseph was remembered. Not because he schemed his way to the top, but because he remained faithful in the darkness. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams not with arrogance, but with humility and clarity: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:16 NAS)
Joseph was prepared. Not only to interpret the dreams, but to lead in wisdom, strategy, and stewardship. And yet the calling of Joseph was not his alone to grasp—it required Pharaoh’s recognition and release of authority.
Pharaoh, the most powerful man in Egypt, was accustomed to control. He held the throne, the armies, the wealth, and the worship of his people. By all worldly standards, Pharaoh had no need to share power. Yet when he heard Joseph speak, something remarkable happened. Pharaoh discerned the Spirit of God in Joseph. “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” (Genesis 41:38 NAS)
Here, the mighty bowed to the divine.
Pharaoh could have responded with suspicion, fear, or pride. Instead, he surrendered control and embraced God’s plan. He said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:41 NAS) And then he did something radical—he gave Joseph his signet ring, a symbol of absolute authority. Pharaoh stepped back so Joseph could step forward into his calling.
Pharaoh didn’t micro-manage. He didn’t second-guess the plans. He entrusted Joseph fully with the administration of Egypt’s survival. And because of that, Egypt was saved from famine—not just physically, but prophetically. Pharaoh’s humility to release authority allowed Joseph’s divine gifting to flow, and nations were preserved through one man’s obedience.
What does this mean for us?
We live in a world where many struggle to find purpose, questioning whether their trials disqualify them from greatness. But God wastes nothing. The pit, the prison, and the waiting room are all part of His divine shaping. Your setbacks may be your sanctification. Your delays may be your development. Like Joseph, you are being prepared for something greater than yourself.
And perhaps you’re not Joseph in this season—perhaps you are a Pharaoh. Perhaps God has brought someone into your life with a vision, a plan, a calling, and you hold the authority to either release them or restrain them. True leadership is not about clinging to control; it’s about recognizing when God’s hand is on someone else and empowering them to move forward. The greatest leaders are not those who do everything, but those who discern God’s timing and delegate with trust.
In both Joseph and Pharaoh, we see aspects of faithful response. Joseph did not force his way into power—he waited until God opened the door. And Pharaoh did not cling to the throne—he allowed God’s appointed one to rise.
To step into your calling is to trust that what God has placed inside of you will be revealed in His time. It means preparing now, even if you’re in a prison season. It means honoring God in obscurity, knowing that your moment will come. And when it does, you must be ready—not to serve yourself, but to serve others for the glory of God.
Let Joseph’s story stir your faith. Let Pharaoh’s surrender challenge your pride. And let God’s sovereignty over it all comfort your heart.
Because when God calls you to lead, He has already equipped you with what you need.
“God has made me lord of all Egypt.” (Genesis 45:9 NAS) — Not by ambition. Not by man’s favor. But by God’s hand alone.
