Pitfalls

When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped off his robe, the robe of many colors that he had on. Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. - Genesis 37:23-24

Have you ever fallen into a "pit" on the way to accomplishing your dream? This is the familiar story of Joseph. Possessed by dreams of greatness, Joseph was cast into a pit by his own brothers. Perhaps he was blind to their jealousy and the danger ahead. Maybe he believed that his dream came with a tribulation-free lifetime guarantee. One thing is certain, God knew Joseph's heart better than he knew it himself and this was only the first challenge that Joseph would eventually face. There would be more. On the path to God's preferred future there will be many "pits." Yet, in the process of revealing your heart through trial and tribulation, God will also show you His. Ultimately, we must all work out what God is working within.

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. - Paul (Philippians 2:12-13)