As a former athlete, I appreciate any individual who fights through adversity to reach their lifelong dream. As a former high school teacher at a top notched football program, I remember hearing some players hoping to one day make it to the National Football League. More than one decade later, it’s exciting to see one of my former students, Angelo Blackson, nearing his 10th NFL season.
Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today. 10 When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker, 11 We dreamed a dream in the same night, he and I; we dreamed each of us according to [the significance of] the interpretation of his dream. 12 And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard and chief executioner; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted them to us, to each man according to the significance of his dream. 13 And as he interpreted to us, so it came to pass; I was restored to my office [as chief butler], and the baker was hanged. 14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. But Joseph [first] shaved himself, changed his clothes, and made himself presentable; then he came into Pharaoh’s presence, Genesis 41:9-14.
According to Moses, Joseph was thirty years old when he was appointed by Pharaoh as governor of Egypt. Although Moses doesn’t give the exact age of Joseph when he has his two dreams about future events, he was likely a teenager at this time. If Joseph hadn’t reached his 20th birthday yet, God allows more than a decade of trials to fight through before discovering God’s ultimate will.
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.
Roughly 3/4’s of the way through his letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul reveals how you can discover God’s will for your life. However, at the halfway point of this letter, Romans 8:5-8, Paul highlights the major distraction that everyone must face, your sinful desires. When Christians know and seriously take their obligation to God, to live according to the Holy Spirit, this can propel you past any distractions that arise to discern, know and begin to fulfill God’s will for your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 