* God’s direction is often through the dungeon!

* God puts you through a tight spot to lead you to a spacious place.

* While in the tight spot, pay attention to the people He brings your way.

* Backstory - God wanted Joseph to be in a position of power in Egypt to protect His people during a famine and to prepare them for life in the Promised Land.

* To make this happen, God had to give Joseph a few key relationships.

* So he was sold into slavery, bought by Potiphar, and thrown into prison.

* Everywhere he went he rose to the top.

* His reward? Relationships! He made key connections in the midst of his painful experience.

* God is in the relationship building business - He uses people to get you where He wants you (and vice versa).

* Vs 1-4a - Joseph was being faithful with where God placed him, so he was in a position of authority over these guys when they showed up.

* Vs 4b-5 - These men had a problem and they needed a solution.

* An entrepreneur goes in between a person and a problem with a solution.

* Vs 6-7 - Joseph paid attention to this around him.

* He was Emotionally Intelligent.

* He was more concerned with others than himself.

* Vs 8 - He shifted their focus to God, then he represented God to them.

* Joseph removed himself from the equation so the transaction could be between God and these men.

* Vs 14 - he told the chief cupbearer that he’d get his position back.

* “Remember me when you do,” he said.

* Vs 20-23 - when God promotes you don’t forget those who helped get you there!

* Vs 4:1a - two years later, Pharaoh had a dream!

* Vs 4:8 - same situation as in the prison.

* Vs 4:9-16 - same situation as in the prison - he removed himself from the equation…

* Vs 39-40 - Joseph elevated because he mastered relationships.