Waiting in Prison

But The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warden. The warden put all the prisoners who were in prison under Joseph's authority, and he was responsible for everything that was done there, the warden did not bother about anything under Joseph's authority, because The Lord was with him, and The Lord made everything that he did successful. Genesis 39:21-23

Joseph was in prison for a number of years. We know that he was 17 when he was sold by his brothers. He was about 28 when the Pharoah threw his cupbearer and baker into prison. Although he interpreted their dreams for them and one was restored to his previous position, although Joseph had asked to be remembered, he wasn't.

What a test of faith. On one hand he was given favour in prison but on the other he was still in prison. The favoured son who himself had a dream from God was sold into slavery then wrongfully imprisoned. How would he feel? Despised? Rejected? Forgotten?

Again and agian we are told to endure. The book of Revelation says that: 'because you have kept my command to endure, I will keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole earth to test those who live on the earth.' Victors are promised a new name, a seat on the throne of God, to be a pillar in the sanctuary of God, authority over the nations, hidden manna, not be harmed by the second death, the right to eat from the tree of life.

Joseph would wait two more years after the cup bearer is released until the Pharoh himself has a dream, which Joseph is called to interpret. Then his life takes off.

How long have you faithfully waited? Don't give up! Trust God! He is your reward!

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