It began in a waterless pit in the wilderness. A young man named Joseph--who was to be a father of the nation of Israel--was cast into the pit by his own brothers because of their jealousy (Genesis 37:22-24). Even though Joseph cried out to them appealing for

help, they would not listen (Genesis 42:21). Have you ever been in a wilderness pit like that spiritually? You are crying out, but no one seems to hear or care?

When an Egyptian caravan passed by, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Then Joseph suffered another great setback when he was falsely accused of immorality and thrown into prison. Talk about a wilderness experience--prison certainly qualifies as one!

In prison, Joseph was placed in a position of responsibility and

ministered to a butler and baker who were confined with him, both of whom promptly forgot their promises to him (Genesis 39-40).