Joseph was holding onto the promise. God had revealed the purpose of his life to him. He was destined for greatness!
Angry voices. Scuffling. Joseph found himself at the bottom of a very deep hole. “Ruben! Levi! Judah! Please! Please take me out of here!” His only answer was arrogant laughter.
Joseph was holding onto the promise.
Unkind hands pulling him out of the pit. Foreign accents negotiating with his brothers – over the sale of his very life! Rough ropes cut into his skin as they bound his hands behind his back. Tears coursed down his face as they roughly led him away.
Joseph was holding onto the promise.
Years in slavery dragged by. The young man ached for his home, for familiar surroundings, for friendly faces, for his family. For belonging. He spent many lonely nights weeping into his pillow.
Joseph was holding onto the promise.
Another blow. Having lived blamelessly, holding fiercely onto his integrity, he was falsely accused of exactly the opposite. Maligned. Shamed. Frustration, disappointment, pain were etched on his face as the guards dragged him into the dark, filthy prison cell.
Joseph was holding onto the promise.
His gifting had begun to blossom. He interpreted the cup-bearer’s dream with precision and accuracy. Hope seemed to shoot a ray of light into the dungeon. Would the cup-bearer remember to champion his cause? Yet again, glad anticipation eroded away as days once more crawled on into weeks and then months and years.
Joseph was still holding onto the promise.
And then finally, in one overwhelming, glorious, magnificent SUDDENLY, Joseph became ruler over an entire nation!
Friend, do you feel like your hope has been deferred over and over and over and over again? Holy Spirit wants to encourage you today with this: suddenlies are for real. Hold onto the promise!
**********************************************************
Do you have a suddenly story to tell?
Feeding On Jesus 
Jennifer, I can never position myself into that place which Joseph or Job occupied. What I have learned in recent times from my life experience is to allow myself to view these men of much faith, as they hold onto the promise of God, and thus be encouraged and filled with hope. As Paul said, my pain and suffering is but for a “moment” when I accept the reality of ETERNITY! Thank you Father. Amen Len Wisniewski
[In this season, I find myself reading Ecclesiastes [To EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.] Though my physical infirmities, relational issues and legal matters continue, I will KEEP my hope and trust in the Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Understanding seasons really is so extremely important. I’m very glad He’s giving you that wisdom!
LikeLike
I absolutely LOVE God’s suddenlies! They’re a lot like overnight successes, aren’t they? Yes, there is that single moment when God releases a victory, but there’s been a lot of work that’s paved the road. Roots have been established and there’s been a lot of pruning to see fruit. Great post-something to really ponder! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Overnight successes, yep, that’s the perfect analogy! Thank you so much my sister, I really enjoy hearing from you 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for this reminder. The story of Joseph should be visited and meditated upon regularly. It has many life lessons about God’s Plans and Purposes and the circumstances that can often beset until the Promise is fulfilled. Our lives too can be a journey of both challenges and unexpected victories. Blessings and appreciation to you for coming 2019 year and His Inspirations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!! Happy New Year, Faye! Much love to you!
LikeLike