Joseph's Journey: Pushed Down and Emptied

Genesis 37:23-24

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

I've been studying the life of Joseph. He's an amazing example for us to learn from and strive to be like. God will always humble before he exalts! Joseph is a great example of this. What caused him to get thrown in the pit later caused him to rule over Egypt. Joseph did right everyday yet he still faced some huge trials! Joseph's story is one of forgiveness after being forsaken, prosperity in the midst of problems, and purpose even though nothing made sense for many years. Joseph's story is a beautiful one despite the ugliness. 

In these 2 verses Joseph was pushed down and emptied:

-Joseph's journey to exaltation began at age 17. God had given him a special gift. The love of his father and his dreams caused his brothers to hate him. His dad called him to go see his brothers watching the sheep...his response was "Here am I". I want to have that "here am I" attitude Joseph had. Little did he know by obeying his father it would get him thrown in a pit and his whole life would be changed drastically! Can you imagine being 17 again? Can you imagine your own brothers turning on you and throwing you down in a pit? They were so jealous it grew into bitterness and hatred...they wanted him out of their lives! His brothers didn't care how this would hurt Joseph. They were selfish and only thought of themselves. Their wicked hearts caused a lot of hardships for Joseph. 

They had planned to kill him but Reuben stopped them, instead they threw him in a pit. A pit is a dark, empty place. Joseph was alone and empty...he'd been stripped of his coat...his coat was his most prized possession. His coat reminded him of his father's great love. God allowed Joseph to be emptied. Being emptied is a hard thing for me..we want and want and want even more but Joseph had to go through a time of emptiness. Many years later he became full.

It was dry in the pit! Sometimes those who are suppose to love us the most are the exact ones who will despise and throw us down...this can make things really hard and dry and lonely! 

When this unexpected event happened to Joseph he didn't throw a pity party and give up...he decided while sitting alone in that dark, dry place that he was going to trust the master. People throw each other in pits everyday.. The sad thing is Christians are the worst at this. I know so many jealous "Christians" who will turn on someone in a heart beat just to make themselves look better or come out on top. How sad! May I never be the one throwing others into the pit. As hard as it is to say I'd rather be thrown in the pit then put someone else there. When this happened he could have forgotten about God but he didn't. He had a choice and so do we! This young 17 year old stood firm on his faith. Think about it...he didn't have a Bible, he didn't have a youth group praying for him, he didn't have anything but God. I bet he quickly realized God is all He needed. He got still and waited for God to get him out. 

When we are knocked down all we can do is look up! Look up and remember God sees you and even though you may feel all alone He is right there with you. He has purpose for the pit!! Trust Him! Are you willing to have a "here am I" attitude no matter what it might cost you? Thank the Lord this is not the end of Joseph's story.