After years of Sunday school and bible study, we probably know all too well the story of Joseph and his imprisonment (Genesis 39-41). We can easily imagine how he felt being locked up without just cause, wasting away the best years of his life in a prison cell. But beyond that, not only was Joseph's physical body imprisoned, so were his potential, hopes, and prospects. Everything he hoped for was locked up in a cell...as he was. The only aspects of his life that transcended that cell were his impact on others (interpretation of dreams, work ethic noticed by warden, etc) and his faith.
Joseph had a mighty faith and an optimistic attitude. He knew he would not be in jail forever. He knew his purpose was beyond those dirty, dingy walls. And guess what? He was right.
You may find yourself going through a "jail experience": a time where you feel you are too smart and capable to be where you are in life. You may feel like your potential is imprisoned behind social acceptance and family expectations. Like you can't do anything but wait for the doors to be unlocked.
Still, that is only partially true. While behind those mental, emotional or even physical bars you are able to do something: you are able to prepare your skills and talents (as Joseph did) for your true purpose.
You can contribute to a purpose beyond yourself while waiting for your purpose to be envisioned. You can, like Joseph, play a major role in the emancipation of others who are "imprisoned" by being a beacon of hope and optimism and by using your talents to help and engage others.
You can work on your temper, your attitude, your body, your mind. You can increase your skill set, expand your knowledge base, potential and network. The possibilities really are endless...even behind "bars".
We all have opportunities to be depressed: to throw one-person pity parties and drown in our sorrows. But really what does that do? As soon as you're done feeling sorry for yourself you still have to work to get things in order...so why not skip the hours wasted in woe and begin the process of bettering yourself and your circumstances now? Yes, I know it is easier than it looks...but isn't everything?
I know you can feel in your heart that you are better than this. And my dear, as God's child, you are. God will never leave you nor forsake you no matter how deep and dark that dungeon may appear to be. Therefore, let's all take a page out of Joseph's book and use our imprisonment to work on our purpose. Yes, use your imprisonment to work on your purpose. Your reputation may be in shambles. Your life may be in shambles. But your God is bigger than any obstacle you face!
Today be a Joseph: don't waste your jail experience. Keep the spirit of God alive in you and walk in faith. Your circumstances, like Joseph's, can change in an instant.
"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him HASTILY out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh." Genesis 41:14
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:8
Meditation Verses:
- Ephesians 3:20
- Job 14: 7-9
- Psalm 55: 22
- Isaiah 54: 17
- Philippians 4:7
- Psalm 23: 3-4
