Me Resilient you betcha!

Mo’Tolani

Life thought it would throw me curveballs and that I would whittle, shrivel, and back down but no I said I ain’t giving up, come too far folks to give up now. I realize that too much has been loaded in me and God’s expectation of me is great.

And guess what, I’m in good company, take the young man Joseph whom I believe was the bible’s definition of a resilient being. 

From as young as he could remember he faced one obstacle or another, I mean how does one generate so much envy of siblings to the ‘point of sale’ pardon the pun? He was “literally” sold into slavery at a point in his life all for a God-given dream.

Gen 37 introduces us to the boy Joseph at the young age of 17 and how he was chosen, selected, and separated by God and He introduced Joseph to his adult self in dreams. Joseph in his youthful exuberance introduced his future self to his brothers and the repercussions for him were dire.

Resilience as we know is defined as the ability to walk through emotional pain and suffering. 

I want you to see how the man Joseph walked through his emotional pain and suffering. Let’s consider the root of the pain and suffering he experienced!

Bit of background, Joseph was the youngest of 12 brothers and one sister. He was loved by their father and favored by him. None of this was his doing remember, he did not choose to be the youngest, he did not choose to be the most loved, but the higher plan and purpose of God selected him.

What has God put in you by way of selection and distinction that you have not unraveled, please pause at this point to think about it. Selah.

“But when his brothers saw that their father loved [Joseph] more than all of his brothers, they hated him and could not say, Peace [in friendly greeting] to him or speak peaceably to him.” Genesis‬ 37‬:4‬ AMPC‬‬ 

In God’s introduction of Joseph’s future, he sends him dreams (clear vivid) that show him what the future holds for him. On the three occasions that he had those dreams he shared it with his brothers in all innocence. He could not have predicted their reactions. 

What have you shared of your visions, goals, and aspirations that have resulted in adverse reactions from the listeners well you’re not alone.

“And he said to them, listen now and hear, I pray you, this dream that I have dreamed: We [brothers] were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright, and behold, your sheaves stood round about my sheaf and bowed down!” Genesis‬ 37‬:6‬-7‬ AMPC‬‬

Joseph shared all the different dimensions of his dreams with his brothers, and this was what played out 

“Joseph’s brothers envied him and were jealous of him, but his father observed the saying and pondered over it.” Genesis‬ 37‬:11‬ AMPC‬‬

The level of envy and jealousy led the brothers to the ultimate plan of selling him off as a slave just shy of killing him, but for the sure mercies of God.

As you know Joseph made it and all that God showed him as a mission for his life happened not a jot of it failed. 

But let’s consider the life that Joseph lived one of betrayal and hatred by his own family, but he rose above it dug in deep, and triumphed. As you know that was the beginning of the trials, he faced but having experienced this at seventeen he had enough within him to soldier on as an adult in life. 

He was lied on and imprisoned unjustly but he kept at it no wonder scripture says “until what he had predicted came true. The word of the LORD proved him right.” Psalms‬ 105‬:19‬ GNBUK‬‬

Dear friend, let the word of God prove you right, as you know it is impossible for His word to fail and His will be done. Lay hold of God and His word, He never fails. 

At the end of the journey of life for young Joseph the word of God was proven to be true. See Joseph’s humble response to his cruel brothers.

“Then Joseph said to them, “Please come closer.” They did, and he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people’s lives.” Genesis‬ 45‬:4‬-5‬ GNBUK‬‬

Do not cave in, do not give, do not fret, let God fight for you, hold your peace, and soldier on 

If God said it, He will do it and your vision will speak and it will not lie.

Shalom