And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. (Genesis 37:23-27)
We all made some bad decisions when we were younger, right? When Joseph was 17 years old, he made a bad judgment call. God had given him a dream, a vision of his future, but he mistakenly shared it with the wrong people. Be cautious about who you confide in regarding your dreams.
Not everyone will celebrate what God has placed within you. Many people feel jealous or angry because they are reminded of their insecurities when they learn that God is blessing you. Joseph’s brothers didn’t just reject the dream God had given him; they rejected him. They stripped him of his coat, which symbolized his father’s favor, and threw him into a pit, trying to take away his anointing, his identity, and God’s favor. However, even though they took his coat, they couldn’t take his calling.
Pits are temporary, but God’s purpose and plan are eternal. In Genesis 37:24, the Bible describes the contents of the pit: It was dry—no water, no provision, no way out. Maybe you’re going through something that feels like you’re in a “pit”—abandoned by others, alone, and feeling forgotten, but remember, your story isn’t over yet! The pit is just a setup for your promotion. What Joseph’s brothers intended for evil, God used as a setup for His great plan. What you experience does not define you—who God calls you to be does.
Practical Application
Be cautious about whom you share your dreams with; not everyone can handle what God has called you to do. Build friendships with people who uplift you in faith, rather than those who undermine God’s dreams.