Going Forward Is The Best Option
I recently spent considerable time studying the life of Joseph as found in the Bible. Many interesting incites from his life surfaced; here are a few thoughts.
I wonder if Joseph had ever wished he could go back to the way things were. I'm sure he did, we all do; its human nature. From the pit where his brothers had thrown him, he may have wished to go home again. Unfortunately however, home was a place of tension, strife and ridicule. Certainly not an environment for growth. Whatever the future held, it would have to be better than the constant demeaning of character he experienced from his brothers.
From the pit into slavery. As bad as that potentially could have been, at least he was not constantly put down and ridiculed. In fact he was recognized as a man with potential. He was given responsibility and trust. Life does not stand still however. Falsely accused he found himself in prison. Going back may have been better than a prison cell, but it still would have been a life of slavery.
Each phase of Joseph's life presented greater hardships. Going back may have been easier in some respects, but certainly it did not measure up to his potential. Joseph would never have gone to the palace, had it not been for the prison. Each hardship he faced introduced him to the next opportunity. Opportunities cannot be measured by the level of comfort, but rather by the level of influence and the next open door. Going back may be familiar and comfortable, but probably will not take you to your palace opprotunity. Going forward is the best option!
I wonder if Joseph had ever wished he could go back to the way things were. I'm sure he did, we all do; its human nature. From the pit where his brothers had thrown him, he may have wished to go home again. Unfortunately however, home was a place of tension, strife and ridicule. Certainly not an environment for growth. Whatever the future held, it would have to be better than the constant demeaning of character he experienced from his brothers.
From the pit into slavery. As bad as that potentially could have been, at least he was not constantly put down and ridiculed. In fact he was recognized as a man with potential. He was given responsibility and trust. Life does not stand still however. Falsely accused he found himself in prison. Going back may have been better than a prison cell, but it still would have been a life of slavery.
Each phase of Joseph's life presented greater hardships. Going back may have been easier in some respects, but certainly it did not measure up to his potential. Joseph would never have gone to the palace, had it not been for the prison. Each hardship he faced introduced him to the next opportunity. Opportunities cannot be measured by the level of comfort, but rather by the level of influence and the next open door. Going back may be familiar and comfortable, but probably will not take you to your palace opprotunity. Going forward is the best option!
