Physical maturity is inevitable; however, emotional maturity is optional. Proverbs is a book intended to help you and others become more like Christ. Through this process of growth, we learn to humble ourselves correctly and, more importantly, how to appropriately fear God.

Maturity does not come by reaching for more responsibility or authority. It is developed by embracing God's process of becoming.

Our guest Jack Harris, world missionary and evangelist, speaks about the importance of divine positioning. When God calls you to do something you don't understand, it's an opportunity to step out in faith. Fear will keep us paralyzed, but God positions us according to his will. Obedience in His positioning propels us towards wisdom and effective ministry.

God never speaks and gives a word without giving a confirmation. Joseph received confirmation from God time and time again and rose to the challenge of staying diligent no matter how challenging his circumstances got. Spiritual laws give us a pathway to both vindication and success. There are going to be times when you do the right thing but don't get your just reward. Take heart: your breakthrough almost never comes when you want it to, but it always comes when it's supposed to.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are two concepts not only central to the story of Joseph, but central to the Christian faith. Forgiveness is about coming to the Lord with the fullness of your feelings and trusting Him with them. It's an inner work between you and God. Sometimes, this inner work leads to repentance and reconciliation with others. What God desires above all, is reconciliation with you.

In Genesis 42-44, Joseph tests his brothers. He gives them a chance to enter back into relationship with him on the basis of trust. We all have to face different tests and trials that form something in us. God never tempts you, but he does allow you to walk through difficult seasons. Tests reveal who you truly are, and give you the chance to truly change. When you pass the test, you're released into a new level of intimacy with God and effectiveness for His Kingdom.

Whether in prison or the palace, Joseph served others and glorified God.

God has a way of bringing us to in-the-meantime seasons – a place where you feel stuck in the middle of where you used to be and where you want to go. In Genesis 39, this is where Joseph is at. God often does His most significant work in our lives during this time if we let Him. But it can be hard to trust that He's working even when we don't see it. What God has for you is better than what you could ever imagine for yourself. But how do you follow Him in the meantime?

The story of Joseph is the story of a family and God's faithfulness to them. What does it mean to have God working in and through your family? The reality of family is that you're connected to a people whether you realize it or not, and where you come from shapes you in significant ways. Unless you allow your relationship with God to shape and refine you, all of your outward faith will have very little impact on your family, and unhealthy patterns will persist. But the good news is God is faithful in spite of your unfaithfulness.

"Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." That statement implies a realistically ideal goal that Jesus' disciples are to pursue with restful dissatisfaction in this life until their final perfection in eternity.

-Michael Wilkins