Dreamers and Detractors

I have always been fascinated by the life of Joseph.  As of late, I have been drawn in by the drama once again. I am really intrigued by his resilience and also his giftedness. This time, we're reading the story of Joseph as a part of our family worship. It was yesterday morning that this particular portion arrested my attention. It's only two verses, but I think they represent a magnanimous moment in the life of this young prodigy.

"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams." 

-Gen. 37:19-20 NIV

What's so deep and ironic about this moment is that their reasoning and intentions are clear. Their plan is to completely cancel the dreams and the life of the dreamer.  Anyone who has read the story knows that their plan is ultimately thwarted, but what's amazing is that the exact opposite of what they wanted and intended is actually what happens.  There is a wild and turbulent ride ahead for Joseph, but ultimately their demotion was actually a promotion.

Herein lies a very deep life lesson...a growth spurt, if you like. There are many times in life that detractors and haters will seek to hurt you with their words and their actions toward you.  Painful as it may be to end up in a pit, it actually has the potential to turn into a promotion.  Pain positions us for purpose.  And so as Joseph said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." (Gen. 50:20).

Can you endure the scrutiny of your detractors, the embarrassment of a demotion, and the pain that comes from abuse? If you can, your dream might be closer than you think. You just wait, your setback might be a set-up for a comeback.