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By R.A. Mathews

He was 17 years old, and he didn’t care. God had shown the young man his destiny, and he wanted his family to know. What was wrong with that? You’ll see.

“We were binding sheaves in the field,” Joseph said to his brothers, “and behold, my sheaf stood up and also remained standing; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

Joseph was already the spoiled son of their father, so his brothers’ response wouldn’t have come as a surprise. “Are you actually going to reign over us?” they asked. Scripture says, “So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words” (Genesis 37:5-8, NASV).

Joseph didn’t care. 

He told them a second dream. “Then [Joseph]… said, ‘Behold… the sun and the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.’ He also told it to his father…  and his father rebuked him and said to him, ‘What is this dream that you have had? Am I and your mother and your brothers actually going to come to bow down to the ground before you?’ And his brothers were jealous of him… ” (Genesis 37:9-11, NASV).

Both dreams were prophetic — they came true. Moreover, Scripture tells us God had given Joseph the ability to read dreams. In other words, the 17-year-old likely recognized his destiny. 

Even Jacob, his father, had some inkling of his son’s future because Scripture says that after he scolded his son, “… his father kept the matter in mind” (Genesis 37:11, NASV).

But Joseph wasn’t ready for the incredible role he would play in the world. 

Since Joseph knew he was the favorite son, knew the dreams would cause more pain for his brothers, and yet told them anyway, it seems clear the boy lacked humility and respect. We live in a world where many behave the same way. In fact, our culture seems to encourage arrogance and callous disregard for the feelings of others.

It’s not God’s way.

Joseph had to learn, and the lessons began. 

First, his brothers sold him to passing traders who sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, captain of Pharoah’s bodyguard. God was with the boy, and Joseph’s work was so successful that Potiphar placed Joseph in charge of all he owned. 

But when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, the young man wasn’t careful. He could have always had a slave at his side, but instead, Joseph let the woman get him into a compromising situation, stealing his garment, which she then used to convince her husband to imprison Joseph (Genesis 37:11-26, 39:1-20).

Even so, God stayed close to Joseph. Scripture says, “But the Lord… gave him favor in the sight of the warden [who] put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners… and, the Lord made whatever he did prosper” (Genesis 39:21-23, NASB).

Now something must have happened with young Pharoah’s food because the king threw his cupbearer and baker into prison. Each had a dream that Joseph interpreted correctly — the cupbearer would be restored to his position and the baker would die. 

Joseph then asked the cupbearer for a favor. “Keep me in mind when it goes well for you… by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison” (Genesis 40:14, NASB).

But the cupbearer forgot about Joseph until Pharoah had troubling dreams no one could interpret. Pharoah then sent for the Hebrew, and Joseph said, “… God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do” (Genesis 41:25, NASB).

Egypt would soon have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph said, “So now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and appoint him over the land of Egypt.”

Pharoah talked to his servants. He then told Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You shall be in charge… ” (Genesis 41:39-40, NASB).

Joseph was now 30. Thirteen years had passed since he carelessly bragged of his future. Joseph needed that time to learn humility and respect. He couldn’t succeed at feeding a world ravaged by famine without strong integrity.

You may be struggling to reach the goal God has placed in your heart. In fact, you may land in harsh situations like Joseph. 

Recognize the Lord’s leading. See if God is showing you important lessons.

In the space of one day, Joseph went from prisoner to the ruler of Egypt under young Pharoah. With God, your life can turn around just that fast…  

But you have to be ready.

Look for the Rev. R.A. Mathews at RAMathews.com where you can contact her and read her biography and samples of her books. Copyright © 2025 R.A. Mathews. All rights reserved.