Image by: dave~

By Pastor Shehan Pereira

Text: Reference is taken from Genesis Chapters 37 to 50

Introduction

Go wants to prepare every Christian to become leaders of the church. This process of preparation takes a long time and painful too. Why does God prepare you ? Because preparation is the price you pay to become a great leader. How do I allow God to prepare me? Let me bring 3 points from the life of Joseph.

1. Take time to grow

Joseph was sold for slavery at the age of 17 (Genesis 37:2). He dreamed of becoming a great leader. But his his brothers sold him to slavery at the age of 17. He was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46). It took Joseph 13 years to reach the climax of his preparation for leadership. Everything that happened in his life within these 13 years (sold for slavery, imprisoned for nothing) helped him to grow in the Spirit so that he can face the challenges he would face after becoming the governor of Egypt as God had planned.

During this time Joseph grew in faith and God was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2,21). He also gained wisdom and became a man of integrity (Genesis 39). The Bible also says that he did not complain or had a grudge with his brothers (Genesis 50:20). These qualifications produced a governor who ultimately rescued the entire world from a famine.

God wants to take time and prepare us to meet the challenges we will face after becoming great leaders. It is our responsibility to use this time in a  profitable manner. During this time we must learn to be accountable and maintain integrity like Joseph did. Integrity means what you are doing when no body is around. Joseph was alone when he was tempted by Potiphar's wife. Joseph could compromise yet escape unpunished. But he remained faithful to God and Potiphar his master.

2. Use every opportunity

Some one said,

We are not living in a world of excuses in a world of opportunities.

Opportunities don't come on your way all the time. If you are like Joseph you will grab it and excel in your ministry and personal life. Joseph did not let go of any opportunity. Besides he used crisis as an opportunity.

a. As a slave in Potiphar's house (Genesis 39:2)

Does a slave has any opportunities in this world? Joseph was not discouraged when he was sold for slavery. Instead he did his best while serving at Potiphar's house. And God blessed the Egyptian's house hold. And Potiphar promoted Joseph as the chief servant of the house (Genesis 39:3-5).

Very often Christians complain,

My Job is a dead end

Ministry is tough because my senior Pastor doesn't help me

The church is very unfair

Don't complain when things are not right and not happening the way you want. Simply remember that it's a part of the training and do your best.

b. As a prisoner (Genesis 39:21)

Is there any hopeless place other than the prison. But Joseph did not give up. Joseph was comfortable in prison. He must have gone through a hard time and a tough way of life. But he did his best every time he was asked to do the work of a prisoner. And the head Jailor appointed him in charge over all the other prisoners.

Once again though he was in prison he took hold of the opportunity which made him a free man and sent him all the way to the top leadership. He explained the dreams to Pharaoh's chief Butler and the cup bearer (Genesis 40), and earned the opportunity to interpret the dreams for Pharaoh. Who promoted him as the governor of Egypt after Joseph interpreted the dreams (Genesis 41).

3. Wait till promotion comes from God

Promotions comes from God. Never seek to be promoted using human methods. Joseph failed when ever he attempted to promote himself. He wanted to promote himself among his brothers and they sold him for slavery. But God promoted Joseph after proving his faithfulness as a slave.

Next he looked up to Pharaoh's cup bearer. But the cup bearer forgot Joseph. When the time came for God to promote Joseph everything worked in perfect harmony. Never attempt to promote yourself in leadership. Always depend on God. Humble yourself and God will promote you.

Conclusion

Let us allow God to prepare us to become prudent leaders, in order to handle the challenges of future much better.