People think Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt overnight and that too for interpreting a dream for Pharaoh. In fact, God prepared him as a leader.
Fear of God: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7) Joseph learnt early in life to fear God and live in the presence of God. Joseph knew the commandment given to his great-grandfather Abraham to walk before Him and be blameless. (Genesis 17:1)
Tell the truth: Joseph was not afraid to tell the truth. He felt it was his responsibility to inform his father Jacob about his brothers, who were wayward and wicked. (Genesis 37:2) That irritated his brothers. Joseph wanted his brothers to change and lead a godly life.
Flee sin: Joseph had attained a status of a highly valued chief manager of the estate of Potiphar. As he was handsome, highly competent and pleasing personality, Potiphar’s wife wanted to have sexual relationship with him. Her seducing persuasions did not deviate him from the path of truth. He did not allow emotions to overwhelm him but controlled his body by right thinking. According to Joseph, adultery was sinning against God, Potiphar and Potiphar’s wife. (Genesis 39:8-9)
Help others: Joseph was not whining and weeping for his unfortunate situations. In each situation he used every opportunity to do good, what is right and rose to a place of influence. In prison, he chose to help others, by interpreting the dreams. (Genesis 40) If he cannot show empathy to fellow prisoners, how could he empathize with the citizens of the Egyptian Empire?
Be prepared: Joseph always prepared himself for a higher level of service. He learnt in every environment. The language of Egyptians, managing things, managing people, accountability in Potiphar’s house. Conversations with prisoners from Pharaoh’s staff helped him to get special knowledge of palace administration, empire administration and protocols in the Pharaoh’s court.
Open Door: Then God opened the miraculous opportunity for Joseph to be His instrument in the history of humanity and redemption history.
Is God preparing me for a great service?