The Story of Joseph: A Testament of Divine Provision and Preparation

When I returned in 2016, I sensed a very clear prompting from God to prepare—an urging that resonated deeply within my spirit. As I reflected, the story of Joseph stood out powerfully, not only as a story of divine intervention but as a blueprint of God's faithfulness in provision and stewardship. This story would become a cornerstone of my understanding and actions, emphasizing that preparation is part of God's divine plan.

God Used the Story of Joseph to Speak to Me

I began listening to the audio Bible regularly, and almost invariably, the narrative of Joseph would come up—sometimes multiple times in a single day. I counted at least thirty references to Joseph throughout the scriptures, which was no coincidence. The Lord reinforced to me—through teachings, sermons, and even from prominent teachers like Rick Warren and Doc—His call for me to prepare, not for myself alone, but for others, for future circumstances that might require provision and survival.

Biblical Foundations of Preparation and Providence

Joseph's life exemplifies God's sovereign oversight in providing for His people during times of famine and hardship. Consider Genesis 41:53-57, which states:

"The seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the lands, but in Egypt, there was food. When all Egypt had experienced the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food, and Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.’"

 This story reveals how God's wisdom and provision, through divine insight given to Joseph, prepared Egypt for impending disaster. Joseph's foresight saved not only Egypt but also surrounding nations, including Israel (Genesis 45:5-7).

The theme of divine preparation is underscored repeatedly. Joseph's career shows how God's plan works through faithfulness, even in adverse circumstances—a principle echoed in Proverbs 21:20:

"Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."

 Joseph stored up grain during the years of plenty, knowing that famine was coming, displaying wise stewardship of God’s provision.

Personal Revelation and Obedience

As I felt called to prepare, I questioned—why am I doing this? Is it really the Lord? Yet, I took Scripture to heart. Luke 16:10 reminds us:

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much; and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."

 The Lord is faithful to confirm His instruction, and His faithfulness has been evident. Just as Joseph prepared in faith, I too laid aside supplies, trusting that God's timing and purpose would unfold as He directed.

Joseph—a Type of Christ and a Model of Faith

Joseph's story also points us to Christ, who is our ultimate provision and salvation. In Acts 7:9-10, Stephen highlights:

"And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household."

 Like Joseph, Christ was rejected yet raised to a place of authority and provision. Our preparation reflects trust in God's sovereignty, similar to how Joseph trusted God's plan amidst betrayal and hardship.

Preparation as a Sign of Obedience and Faith

The story of Joseph encourages believers that preparation is an act of obedience to God's calling. Amos 3:7 affirms:

"For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."

 God reveals His plans and calls us to readiness—whether through Scripture, conviction, or divine guidance. Faith without works is dead, as James 2:17 teaches:

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

 Preparing supplies, storing resources, and being faithful stewards demonstrate active faith.

Application to Our Lives and Eschatology

The perspectives on the rapture and tribulation serve as a backdrop to understanding this principle. Whether one believes in a pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib rapture, the consistent divine call remains: to be obedient and prepared.

Pre-Tribulation Believers: Their preparation may be rooted in faith, trusting God's ultimate deliverance, but Scripture cautions against complacency. Proverbs 6:6-8 highlights the wisdom of diligent work:

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise."

 Likewise, Proverbs 21:5 emphasizes planning and provision:

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance."

Post-Tribulation Believers: Their preparation aligns

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