This advice seemed wise to Pharaoh and all his servants, and Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man with more God-given gifts than this one?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, no one is as intelligent and wise as you are. You will be in charge of my kingdom, and all my people will obey your command. Only as the enthroned king will I be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Know this: I’ve given you authority over the entire land of Egypt.” Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, he dressed him in linen clothes, and he put a gold necklace around his neck. He put Joseph on the chariot of his second-in-command, and everyone in front of him cried out, “Attention!” So Pharaoh installed him over the entire land of Egypt. (Gen 41:37-43)

But Joseph said to them (his brothers), “Don’t be afraid. Am I God? You planned something bad for me, but God produced something good from it, in order to save the lives of many people, just as he’s doing today. (Gen 50:19-20)

In the Old Testament, the prophet, priest, and scribe become the storyteller, and the storyteller is prophetic, sacred, and memorialized. God is telling us stories that pose ethical questions to see how we might respond. I have lived the story of Joseph. Twenty-nine years ago, a friend, Linda Patton, prophesied that God would give me a coat of many colors.  Little did I know the significance of that prophecy. Perhaps you to can identify with an Old Testament story?

Joseph’s brothers did evil, and though God turned it around for good, his brothers were still evil, and God is always good and will consistently achieve his purposes. So, even though you might find yourself in the crucible of life, God has a purpose that is being fashioned there. Take courage!