Genesis 39:20–23
“And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison… But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy…”
Joseph found himself behind walls through circumstances he had not chosen. Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, he was placed in prison despite resisting temptation and acting with integrity.
Yet Scripture makes a remarkable statement: “But the LORD was with Joseph.”
God’s presence was not waiting for Joseph outside the prison.
God was with him inside.
Men, sometimes we convince ourselves that purpose will begin when our circumstances change. When I get out. When this relationship is repaired. When my finances improve. When the depression lifts. When people trust me again. When this difficult season finally ends.
Then I will start living.
Joseph teaches us differently.
While still in prison, he remained faithful. The keeper of the prison began entrusting responsibility to him. Later, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s servants. Long before he stood in Pharaoh’s palace, God was developing the man who would eventually stand there.
The prison was a chapter in Joseph’s life, but it was not the conclusion.
For the man who is physically incarcerated, your sentence may determine where you sleep tonight, but it does not have to determine who you become. You can learn. You can pray. You can develop discipline. You can encourage another man. You can repair what can be repaired. You can deepen your relationship with God.
And for the man behind invisible walls, stop waiting for every circumstance to become perfect before you begin moving towards purpose.
God can work with you where you are.
Joseph eventually left the prison, but his transformation did not begin when the door opened. God had already been working behind the walls.
Men, wherever you are today, give God something to work with. Be faithful with what remains in your hands. Let Him develop your character in the place you would rather leave.
Your surroundings may restrict some things, but they cannot prevent you from becoming a different man. The wall may describe where you are, but it does not have to define who you are. God still has purpose behind the walls.
God bless you, Men of God. Continue in your roar.