Fall
1991
Preperation 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 many adverse circumstances, was prepared
by the Lord for ministry to his family in a coming 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 he had received at the hand of his brethren. Neither
did he become angry at the Lord because the vision 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.
Because 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 thepath
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 the Lord and was able to interpret the dreams of the
baker and the butler.
A need for our 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. Because of the accuracy
of the word he had given the butler, he was taken from the
prison to stand before Pharaoh and interpret his dream. As
a result, he was 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 have substance within them to feed the hunger of
His people in the coming time of (spiritual) famine.
Having a part in this will require the complete placing of
our lives in the hands of the Lord. He will do the rest as
we maintain our faith and trust in Him. If we abide faithfully,
we will come forth with a tried and proven ministry.