Finding Purpose in the Process: Lessons from Joseph’s Journey

Have you ever felt stuck in a waiting period, wondering when God will finally move in your life? Joseph’s story offers powerful insights about how God works behind the scenes even when we can’t see it.

What Does It Mean to Wait on God’s Timing?

Joseph had been in prison for ten years when a glimmer of hope appeared. After interpreting the cupbearer’s dream, Joseph made one simple request: “Please don’t forget me.” Yet the cupbearer did exactly that, and Joseph remained imprisoned for two more years.

This is the only recorded instance where Joseph advocated for himself. Through all his previous trials—being thrown into a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife—he never pleaded his case. But here, after being faithful and obedient, he asked for remembrance, only to face more waiting.

Why would God allow this additional delay? The answer reveals something profound about God’s character:

“The God that we serve is not just omnipotent and omniscient… The God that created us is also good. And if He’s good, the delays in our life are good. They serve a purpose to bring about God’s plan, which is always good.”

Perhaps this final delay was necessary to remove any last remnant of self-reliance in Joseph’s heart. Maybe it took those two additional years for Joseph to reach the point where he could say, “God, even if I die in this prison, I will bless your name.”

How Does God Work Behind the Scenes?

While Joseph sat forgotten in prison, God was orchestrating events at the highest level of Egyptian government. Pharaoh began having troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret. These weren’t ordinary dreams—they felt prophetic, significant.

This is a crucial lesson: God doesn’t need us to be aware of His working to accomplish His purposes. Just because you can’t see God moving doesn’t mean He isn’t actively working on your behalf.

When Pharaoh’s advisors failed to interpret his dreams, the cupbearer suddenly remembered Joseph. After two years of silence, God jogged his memory at precisely the right moment. Joseph didn’t have to scheme, manipulate, or self-promote to bring about his rescue. God did it all.

“What looked like a missed opportunity was actually just delayed timing—God’s timing. And that delay wasn’t punishment; it was preparation to get Joseph exactly where he needed to be to fulfill God’s greater purpose.”

What Happens When God Finally Moves?

When Joseph was suddenly brought before Pharaoh, he had a choice. After years of injustice, betrayal, and silence, this was his moment to shine. Most of us would seize this opportunity to prove our worth or even seek revenge.

But Joseph’s response reveals the transformation that had occurred through his suffering:

“It’s beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied, “but God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”

His first words weren’t about himself but about God. The years of suffering had burned away every ounce of self-promotion and replaced it with unshakable confidence in God. Joseph understood that the glory belongs to God—always has and always will.

After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, Joseph offered a wise solution without suggesting himself for the position. He didn’t say, “I’m your guy!” He simply laid out a plan and left it in Pharaoh’s hands.

The result? Pharaoh recognized God’s spirit in Joseph and elevated him from prisoner to prime minister in a single day. At 30 years old, after more than a decade of mistreatment, Joseph was given authority second only to Pharaoh himself.

Why Does God Allow the Process Before the Promotion?

Joseph’s story teaches us that God’s exaltation comes at the proper time—not a second early or late. The process of waiting and suffering wasn’t punishment; it was preparation for the position God had planned.

“God exalts not for your own glory, but to show off what He has done. You and I, if we live in obedience with humility and patience, become the trophy case for His glory.”

This is why God is so committed to your growth. He’s “baking something beautiful in the oven of adversity,” and He won’t pull you out until the timer goes off—until the process to perfection is complete.

Life Application

If you’re feeling forgotten or stuck in a difficult season right now, remember that you may not be buried—you might just be planted. God could be cultivating something deeper and stronger beneath the surface that simply takes time.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Where am I trying to force a breakthrough instead of trusting God’s timing? Like Joseph, can you surrender control and say, “It is not in me, but God can”?

2. What false gods or self-reliance am I clinging to that God might be allowing to fail? Remember, when our idols fail us, it’s actually God’s mercy preparing us to rely fully on Him.

3. How can I remain faithful in my current “prison” while waiting for God’s timing? Joseph managed a prison for 12 years with excellence. How can you serve with excellence where you are now?

4. Am I actively growing in my faith during this waiting period? Are you plugged into opportunities for discipleship and spiritual growth?

Your procession is coming. This season isn’t forever. God has tied His glory to your transformation, and He won’t abandon that work. Whatever prison you find yourself in today, trust that God is preparing you for a purpose far greater than you can imagine.