FEBRUARY 15

Despite the years of struggle Jacob experienced–despite his few and evil days–the emerging nation of Israel was still on point with destiny. Jacob–or Israel, as he was known by his new name–became the father of a young man named Joseph who became a vital link in Israel’s divine destiny.

For the next few days we will learn how Joseph’s personal destiny was intricately entwined with God’s plan for His chosen people. We will see how–despite great adversity–Joseph fulfilled his God-given vision. And yes–along the way we will find additional spiritual truths to apply to our own journey towards destiny.

Joseph had a difficult journey along the pathway to the fulfillment of his vision. You can read his story in Genesis chapters 30-50. Joseph’s home environment was anything but pleasant. As we have learned, his father, Jacob (Israel), had a history of deception. His mother, Rachel, was continually in conflict with Jacob’s other wife, Leah. Rachel was always trying to manipulate Jacob and gain his exclusive affection.

There was partiality in the home, which created rivalry and jealousy. Jacob preferred Rachel to Leah and Joseph over the other sons. The special coat given to Joseph by his father was more than just a beautiful garment. It was not the every-day work garment that shepherds wore, so it set Joseph apart as the favored child, one who would not be required to work as his brothers did.

As a young man, Joseph had a vision of his destiny which he shared with his family, and his brothers hated him for it (Genesis 37:8). (Be careful who you share your vision with!) They could not even speak peaceably to him and eventually they betrayed him by first casting him into a pit and then selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:24).

Joseph lived in a family dominated by deceit, immorality, manipulation, envy, and hatred. For seventeen years, he was raised in this dysfunctional family and then he was betrayed by his brothers. He could have blamed this environment for ruining his life and, in so doing, thrown away his future.

You may be able to identify with Joseph if you came from a home where you suffered abuse, rejection, or abandonment. The question is, will you let the pain of your past abort the future God has planned for you?

Like Joseph, you will experience many challenges as you rise up to embrace your destiny because Satan wants to abort your future. He wants to keep you captive in the pit of negative circumstances. He wants to keep you bound in the prison house of problems. You must recognize, however, that God is using every situation–both good and bad–to move you closer to your destiny (Romans 8:28).