The Life of Joseph: A Lesson in Timing

Genesis 37:5-11 “One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. “Listen to this dream,” he said. “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.”

Joseph had two visions or dreams of what was to come, future events that had not happened yet. A lot of times we too feel like we have had a dream or God has given us a vision for the future. The question though is timing. Is that vision for now or somewhere down the road? Too many times we are like Joseph, God gives us a glimpse of His plan and purpose for our lives and we start running with it before we are ready. Joseph learned a very important lesson in timing and below you can learn what happens when our vision or timing are off.

Wrong Vision/Action + Wrong Timing = Disaster

Sometimes we think we hear from God and really it is our flesh or selfish desires. Coupled with bad timing and it is a recipe for disaster.

Wrong Vision/Action + Right Timing = Mistake

There are times when we have to act. Maybe it is an important decision to make and it has to be made right then and there. Choice A or B, which fork in the road? If we choose wrong then we have made a mistake. Mistakes happen and no one is perfect. If you made a mistake, then try again with the right vision or action.

Right Vision/Action + Wrong Timing = Resistance

This was Joseph, he knew his two visions to be true but it was not for the time he picked. In the end his brothers resented and hated him even more and instead of his vision coming to pass. It looks like a failure. In the same way we too must learn timing. Even if we know without a doubt it is what God wants us to do. Sometimes he checks our spirit and has us wait while he works on the hearts of those around us.

Right Vision/Action + Right Timing = Success

This is our goal to learn to hear God’s still small voice in our lives and to operate in His perfect timing. When we are in His will and operating in His timing it will bring to success what God has called us to do. The question is are you willing place your trust in God and not learn on your own understanding or will you only trust in yourself and what you personally understand?

#ALessonInTiming #iDevo #YFA