Fall 1985
Preparation for Ministry as Revealed in the Life of Joseph
Wade E Taylor

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we are told that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, is the "God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God".

In the many circumstances through which the Lord leads us, our lives are prepared for His service. We are not qualified for ministry until we have been tested and proven to be faithful. Otherwise, our ministry would 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 the many adverse circumstances in his life, was prepared for a ministry to his family in a time of great need. At the age of seventeen, he was given a vision of headship and 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 Joseph did. He is, above all else, an example of faithfulness and patience in holding to the promise of the Lord. He accepted each situation that he was faced with, and made the best of it.

He did not sit in Potiphar's house and sulk because of the injustice that was done to him by his brethren. Neither did he become angry at the Lord because the vision that he had received seemingly did not work out. Instead, he became a faithful servant in Potiphar's house and soon rose to a place of authority and recognition.

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

Again, Joseph 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 dreams of the baker and the butler.

Ministry often comes at a time when it seems that all spirituality has fled. At the right time, the Lord caused the butler to remember Joseph. He was called from the prison to stand before Pharaoh and was able to interpret his dream. Then, he was taken from the prison and placed on the throne.

After much had transpired, His brethren came and bowed before him, exactly as he had seen in the vision. God is always true and His ways sure.

Today, the burden of the Lord is the preparation of a ministry who will be able to feed the hunger of His people in a time of famine.

We must completely trust our lives in the hands of the Lord. He will do the rest as we maintain our faith and trust in Him. As we abide faithfully, we will come forth with a tried and proven ministry.