Summer 1976
Preparation for a Ministry
As Revealed in the Life of Joseph

Wade Taylor
President of Pinecrest

In 2 Corinthians 1:4, we are told that we are to comfort others by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Through the many circumstances which the Lord leads us, our lives are prepared for service. We are only qualified for ministry after we have been tested and proven to be faithful; otherwise our ministry would only be harsh and vindictive. A minister who has been through the dealings of the Lord and ministers through a broken and contrite spirit will draw many to the Lord.

Joseph, through many adverse circumstances in his life, was prepared for ministry to his family in a time of great need. When 17 years old, he was given a vision of headship and of authority over his family. This was not fulfilled quickly, but only after his life had gone through a season of severe dealings.

Not all who feel called to the ministry will submit themselves to the times of qualification as did Joseph. Joseph is above all an example of faithfulness and patience holding to the promise of the Lord. He accepted each situation he was faced with and before the Lord, made the best of it. Rather than sit and sulk in Potiphar’s house because of the injustice done him by his brethren, and become angry at the Lord because the vision he had received seemingly did not work out, he became a faithful servant and soon rose to a place of authority and recognition.

Yet the Lord had something better for him. He allowed a deception to again take place and Joseph found himself in prison. Again, he accepted his circumstances, not knowing the Lord would send the baker and butler. For Joseph had to be in the right place at the right time. The wisdom of God is past finding out and we cannot always understand the path He leads us in; but we must in faith trust Him, believing that He knows best.

Joseph again certainly could have become angry with the Lord or become cold and indifferent because the vision had not been fulfilled. Yet in the face of seeming failure, he maintained his fellowship with God and was able to interpret the dream of the baker and butler. Not all ministry is from the pulpit, but is often in many circumstances in which it may seem that all spirituality has fled. At the right time the Lord caused the butler to remember Joseph and he was called from the prison to stand before Pharaoh and was set in his place of rulership and authority. After much had happened his brethren came and bowed before him exactly as in the vision. God’s ways are sure.

The burden of the Lord today is the preparation of a ministry that can feed the hunger and the needs of His people in the hour that is before us. If we will be faithful in His dealings in our lives, we will come forth with tried and proven ministries. We must completely trust our lives in the hands of the Lord. He will do the rest if we will maintain our faith and trust in Him.