By Rev. Larry Brown

  We live in a day where some people become very wealthy over night. Some are those who win the lottery. Some are those who achieve fame and fortune through the entertainment industry or through professional sports, or by investing in the stock market, by some other means. The sad reality is that the overall quality of their lives is no better and many times they end up worse off as a result of the instant success.

   Prov. 10:22 tells us that the blessing of the Lord makes us rich and He adds no sorrow with it. In Jer. 29:11, God tells us that He has a plan for us, to prosper us, to give us hope and a future. In Psalm 37:23, He tells us that our steps are ordered by God. In the Hebrew, the word, “ordered”, carries the following meanings: to set up, establish, be fixed, prepare, perfect, appoint, direct, be fitted, ordain, prosper, make preparation, provide, etc.

   I use to think the word "ordered" simply meant that God would direct my steps on the path He has laid out for me. As you can see from the above definition there is provision with each step, preparation for the future steps along your path, and so much more.

   Psalm 127:1 tells us that unless the Lord builds the house (i.e. is building our lives) our efforts will be in vain! God has wonderful plans for all of our lives, plans to prosper us greatly. I'm talking about more than just finances. Great plans require a great foundation. Our lives must be built on the Rock of God's Word! (Matt. 7:24-27)

   In the life of Joseph I see 5 distinct phases. In each of these phases, we can see God establishing some things in Joseph's character. Each stage was to further prepare him for God's awesome plan for his life. To many of us, Joseph’s story is so special because we can relate to it personally. Be blessed as you read it.

   1.) Purpose Phase: (Gen. 37:1-9) This is where we are given our God inspired vision and direction. Not that it has to be a literal vision or dream. We may not know all of what it is or how to get there, but we are, at least, given enough of it to recognize "it is God" when we get finally arrive!

   2.) Pit Phase: (Gen. 37:9-23) This is where we experience rejection, persecution, etc. Many times, it comes from those close that don’t understand us anymore after we accept Christ, start walking more closely with Him, or start moving in a new divine direction.
   3.) Potipher Phase (Gen. 37:25-36, 39:1-6) Here we are working in areas either in our ministry or secular areas that are not our God given dream. We sometimes feel trapped - like we can't get out, almost like a slave. But at the same time God is with us, blessing what we lay our hands to as we strive to be faithful working with in excellence and diligence to glorify God.

   Our talents really develop in this phase if we diligently apply ourselves. Our talents develop to such a degree that we become prepared for our next phase where the challenges will be greater. All these phases are tests we must pass to walk in the fullness of our ultimate divine destiny. Joseph not only had work ethic tests here, but moral challenges as well (Gen. 39:6-12).

   4.) Prison Phase: (Gen. 39:13-23, 40:1-23) Here, things seem to be getting worse. It seems like we're getting further away from our dream and ultimate purpose. What we may not realize is that we are closer now than ever before. We find ourselves in even more difficult circumstances than before. We feel even more locked in. It looks even more hopeless! However, we can see that God is still with us prospering what we put our hands to.

   We still seem to have the same favor with those directly above us as we did in the Potipher Phase, although we find ourselves in a seemingly very unfavorable situation. This is the phase where key divine contacts are made with seemingly unlikely people in unlikely places. Occasionally, our gifts manifest just enough to make an impression on key contacts for future purposes, i.e. "for such a time as this". It is a phase where we seem to be forgotten and forsaken, though we really are not! We may wrestle with thoughts of being mad at God through out phases 2-4, but we may deal with them more here than ever, because of having more time to reflect.

   5.) Palace Phase: (Gen. 41:1-57, 47:13-26) As suddenly as the Pit Phase overtook us, suddenly, and unexpectedly, promotion over takes us. This is where the fullness of time meets the fullness of preparation. We find that we are ready to deal with not only seasons of prosperity but also seasons of famine, not just for ourselves but for those the Lord has placed us over. We have the discernment and practical wisdom to know what to do with seasons of abundance so that we are prepared for the lean times that will come. Later, we find that when the famine comes we are actually increasing instead of decreasing! We are greatly blessed because we passed each test.

   We were willing and obedient! In this Phase you find many challenges too, but you find that as long as you lean on the Lord, you are well able in the Lord to deal with every situation with great Success! (Josh 1:8)

1 Pet. 5:10 tells us that after you have suffered (persecution 2 Tim. 3:12) a while God will perfect, settled, strengthen and establish you!

Remember, God's plans for you are good! You must have a good foundation to have a good future! God is preparing you for your palace!

To Contact Rev. Larry Brown:

                                                 Write:  1009 N. Hickory Dr.
                                                               Broken Arrow, OK 74012

                                                 Phone:  (918) 251-1047

                                                 E-Mail:  Lbtpm@aol.com