Just like each day is divided into morning, noon, evening, and night, so is life. The end of a season usually opens the door to another season. At night, it is dark and sometimes lonely, especially when sleep and rest decide to disappear. I’ve had my first share of restless nights, and I can say for sure that they’re the worst. Sleep crowns the night, making it possible for us to navigate those dark moments and find rest. In the same way, Jesus can crown our dark seasons and give us rest in them. Wondering what the point is? Since God is the author of every season, He is in the best position to guide you through and give you rest.
The lives of men and women of faith in the Bible, such as Moses, Joseph, David, Mary, and Elizabeth, provide a detailed account of their times and seasons. However, our focus would be on Joseph. Joseph went through different seasons that defined who he eventually became: favorite son, servant, prisoner, and finally, prime minister.
Season of Preparation
Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37, where he is introduced as Jacob’s (Israel) 17-year-old son, whom he loved more than all his other siblings. Joseph, being Jacob’s favorite child, was all part of God’s perfect plan for him because, as the story unfolds, we see how his brothers push him into fulfilling his destiny. Ofcourse, his brothers did this with the intention of causing evil, but God turned it around for good. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. When God chose Joseph, he was not idle; he was working as a shepherd, tending to his father, Jacob’s flocks, with his brothers. This meant that he had developed his shepherding skills to a considerable extent, which would be relevant to him in the future. In this initial season of preparation, God also endowed him with the gift of dreams and interpretation. His first set of dreams symbolised his family bowing to him.
The season of preparation is sometimes a period of obscurity, hidden growth, and learning, which means your efforts might not be acknowledged or even seen. However, gather all the lessons, skills, and experience you can, because you will need them in the season of waiting. Remember that He does not prepare you without equipping you.
Season of Waiting
This season sometimes feels dry, with no clear end in sight. Joseph knew he was called for something greater. God had shown him the end of his glorious journey, but how and when he would reach that glorious end was unknown. From being the beloved son of his father, Joseph was reduced to a slave in a foreign land. Still, he remained diligent in all the tasks entrusted to him. Ecclesiastes 9:10a Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. It seemed like Joseph was wasting his time because his results did not justify his efforts. You might be in a similar position now, but do not give up; keep waiting on God, and He will guide you through this season. Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; at the end it will speak and will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.
In the season of waiting, temptations are inevitable. Joseph had his first share with Potiphar’s wife when she sought to sleep with him in Genesis 39. He could have given in, and Potiphar might never have found out, but that would have ended Joseph’s journey into his purpose. Potiphar was a very busy man, charged with high-level duties. He was often away from home for long periods, which is why he entrusted his entire household to Joseph. However, Joseph stood his ground and maintained his consecration to God. Bear in mind that if God allows you to be tempted in a certain way, it is because He knows you have the capacity to overcome that temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
The waiting season requires a lot of patience and obedience. How you wait can either break or make your testimony. James 1:3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. When Joseph declined Potiphar’s wife’s offer, she falsely accused him, which led to him being imprisoned. However, the process further refined his character, helping him develop integrity and patience. His spiritual gift of dreams and interpretation also became rekindled and led him into another season.
Season of Harvest and Rest
While the season of preparation and waiting can seem like very difficult times of toil and sweat, there is a harvest that comes if you do not relent. After Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, he spent approximately 11 years in Potiphar’s house before he was sent to prison due to Potiphar’s wife’s evil deed. He was in prison for about 2 years when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, which led him to become the Prime Minister of Egypt (his harvest). Joseph entered his season of harvest eventually because he stood firm through the difficult seasons God took him through. He did not allow the difficult times sway him away from his journey. Though things got worse before they got better, Joseph stayed faithful, and God rewarded him with a season of abundance and rest.
Reflect on the season you are currently in and determine how to embrace it fully. Remember, when God places us in a season, He has equipped us completely to thrive in it. Trust God through uncertainty and keep your faith steadfast in Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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