So often, as we wait for the dreams God has planted in our hearts to bear fruit and come to pass, we have to hold on to the words God has spoken to our hearts. Our attitude in the waiting period, when we are called to live by faith and walk with the unseen more real to us than the visible world around us, often determines whether these dreams come to pass or wither away.
In Genesis 39, Joseph is shamefully treated, imprisoned unjustly and cast aside by the one who had placed such trust in him. If I had written Genesis 39, this is how it would have read:
‘It’s not fair, God! Why should I be in this hell-hole of a prison? What are You playing at?! I survived my brothers selling me into slavery for this?!
How could Potiphar believe I’d do something like that? Doesn’t he even know me? After all I’ve done for him, why can’t he even trust me?! He knows by now I’m not like the rest of his slaves! That’s why he promoted me, after all, because he could see that I was different! Why should he believe his wife when he knows me? Or I thought he knew me. I can’t believe he’s so gullible. I can’t believe he’s done this. What happened to “innocent until proven guilty”?! There’s no evidence whatsoever except for the schemes that conniving woman came up with in her demented jealousy!
Doesn’t he know what she’s like?! Doesn’t he realise she’s got the hots for me, but that’s not my fault?! Have I ever done anything to encourage her, to make her think I was interested in her? Never! But that’s not enough for some women, is it? Oh no. “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” Too right. But I don’t see why I should be here in this prison because of her. It’s not right.’
This alternate reality, however, where self-justification, self-pity and sheer outrage (at other people and, at times, at God) rage, does not achieve the righteous purposes of God. Self-justification and complaint – although natural reactions and mentioned frequently enough in the Psalms – cannot bring about the righteous results God longs for.
Instead, we have to reflect Christ’s submission to the Father’s will, saying, in effect:
‘God, I don’t understand what’s going on here. You know I didn’t do anything inappropriate. Please help me to serve You even in this prison. Thank You that You never leave me or forsake me. Thank You that You will work it all out. You’ve still got great plans for my life. Help me to wait patiently for You and in the meantime, to make the most of every opportunity You give me, even in prison!’