From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.

This week we find Joseph interpreting dreams while imprisoned. As he interprets dreams for two prisoners, Joseph has a spark of hope that he’ll be released from prison after one speaks in favor of him to Pharaoh. That spark was extinguished after being forgotten and left in the dungeon. How much disappointment can one man take? How often are you faced with disappointment and tragedy in life? Someone needs to hear this: don’t let go and keep holding on!

Prayer of Presence

Loving God,

Who understands before I form my prayers,

Who hears when I call and translates my humble words

into beautiful hymns of gratitude and praise

And responds to my uncertain cry for help

with assurance, peace, and palpable presence,

Here I am as fully in your presence

as I am able to be,

Offering my fears, my needs, my hopes

my love, and my life,

For I am yours and belong to no other. Amen.

(Rueben P. Job)