JOESPEH'S COATS OF DESTINY
by Kathy Pegram

 

In Genesis chapter 37 verse 23, Joseph's brothers stripped him of his coat. Jealousy had driven them to get rid of their brother. Dreams and a coat had driven his brothers to be completely blind to what was right and wrong. They had let their jealous feelings build until it had taken such a strong root in them it had become a part of them. Their jealousy, when you look at it, seems to be stopping Joseph from fulfilling the dreams he shared. But, as always, God had a plan. Truthfully, these brothers were helping to fulfill that plan. Coat number one - stripped away because of jealousy.

One of the first stories we learn as children is Joseph and his coat of many colors. But, what about Joseph's other coat? Let's go Genesis chapter 39 verse 12. Potiphar's wife wanted Joseph. He was handsome and well built. She tried to seduce him, but Joseph refused because he didn't want to sin against God. Joseph wasn't worried about Potiphar, he just didn't want to hurt God. How many times under pressure do people use excuses to commit sexual sins. But, sexual sins aren't just between the parties involved. It is an act of disobedience against God.

Joseph tried to avoid Potiphar's wife. In the end, avoiding wasn't enough and he had to run! And when he ran, once again he was stripped of his coat. The first coat was used to convince Joseph's father he was dead. Now, his second coat was used to convince Potiphar that Joseph had come into Potiphar's wife's room to rape her. Coat number two - lost to lust and deceit.

We know how the story ends, but bear with me. By this time you have to wonder how Joseph is feeling. He knows the dreams he had. He knows what God spoke to him, but suddenly his brothers try and kill him, then they sell him. Then he ends up a slave in Potiphar's household and now he is in prison. He probably is getting pretty discouraged about now.

Have you ever been in that place in your life? You know God spoke to you. You keep waiting for that dream to come into fruition. But, it seems you are stopped at ever hand. It could be you are like Joseph. You could be facing jealousy, lust, or deceit. It could be any number of things and you are ready to throw in the towel. But don't give up yet. God is in control! He has a plan if you will just trust Him. Yes, you may have to climb out of a well. Yes, you may have to avoid and then run from temptation. You may at times feel like you are trapped in a prison. But, when the time is right God will bring you to your destiny.

Are you now ready for coat number three? Go with me to Genesis chapter 41 verse 42, "Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck." A robe of fine linen was his coat of a destiny fulfilled. Joseph is now in charge of the whole land. At 17 he lost his first coat. Around the age of 28 he lost his second coat. At 30 he became governor of Egypt and was given his final coat. His coat of destiny. It took thirteen years, but God fulfilled the dreams that Joseph had. So hold on to your dreams. As long as God is in control of your life you are steadily working toward your destiny. So the next time you feel your coat being stripped away, just remember God has a better one waiting for you.

 

Love & Prayers,
Kathy