“God’s goal for leading us, it seems, isn’t to take us somewhere as much as it is for us to follow.”- Dr. Wayne Stiles
In Chapter 5 of Waiting on God, Wayne Stiles observes that on occasion our walk with God feels like we’re the butt of some juvenile prank. God points the direction. Then, we walk and walk and walk in circles. Never do we turn a corner. Like walking or running on a treadmill, we follow but go nowhere.
Similarly, the Hebrew text literally refers to the jail where Joseph stayed as the “house of roundness,” or “the Round House.” In addition, Psalm 105:18-19 adds some details of Joseph’s imprisonment not recorded in the Genesis account:
“His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said had come to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.”
Yet, the fetters and the collar probably seemed insignificant compared to the greatest affliction of his imprisonment- the waiting. There God tested Joseph. In the original Hebrew, tested refers to the process of refining silver. Furthermore, refining takes time- until God’s word came to pass.
While in prison, Joseph intentionally chose to live in a positive frame of mind. Because Joseph had peace with God, he looked beyond his own pain and noticed the lives of others.
Joseph took an active approach while waiting for God. As he followed, he focused on God’s faithfulness and presence. Hence, Dr. Stiles applies Joseph’s approach to our lives:
“Waiting on God doesn’t prohibit us from takin initiative or trying to change unjust circumstances. We don’t merely lie back and mutter, ‘Oh, I’m just trusting God with this.’ God gave us brains to think with . . .”
Today’s question: How can you be intentional in your focus on God’s goal for leading? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The taproot of life”
