Joseph spent years confined to an Egyptian dungeon. While he had done nothing to deserve imprisonment, God knew that Joseph's faith needed to be tested. God would fulfill His promises, but first He wanted to grow Joseph's faith—strengthening Him with His presence in every circumstance. Joseph did not avoid personal surrender. He knew that if he did, he would risk missing God's will and purpose for his life—so he called upon the Lord.
If God has allowed you to settle in a difficult place—pray. But don't just pray for a way of escape. Instead, pray for the Lord to work His good pleasure into your life. If there is a need for discipline, be willing to receive it so that you will experience the blessings of God.
We need to be willing to trust God and wait for His answer.
Trying to manipulate the Lord's will through prayer never works. Instead of solving the problem, this can lead to frustration. Therefore, we need to be willing to trust God and wait for His answer.
There will be times when we think we cannot face another trial or another minute of persecution. Jesus understands our weaknesses. The night of His arrest He prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done" (Matthew 26:42). Earlier, He had taught His disciples to pray, "[Y]our will be done," so they would know how to submit their wills to God just as He had submitted His (6:10).
God knows the hurts, disappointments, and frustrations you are facing, but He longs to hear you pray what Christ prayed in the garden the night of His arrest: "Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). Is this the prayer of your heart?
Prayer: God, I come to You in a difficult place. I pray that Your will would be accomplished in this season of my life. Help me to trust You and wait on You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him" (Genesis 39:20-21).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Joseph: Portrait of a Winner: LISTEN NOW
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