Purpose Study Bible 42: A Clear Purpose

As we continue our study of purpose and creativity in Genesis, we look this week at the young life of
Joseph:

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind (Genesis 37:5-11).

Here are some purpose points and lessons to keep in mind as you pursue your own purpose:

1. Joseph's purpose came looking for him. God wants you to know your purpose more than you do. He often sends clues and signs for which you are not seeking but would do well to heed and interpret.
2. Joseph was young when he discovered his purpose. Joseph was to be the ruler in his family even though he was the next to youngest. Your childhood often holds indicators of your purpose. In a sense, you are never too young for purpose—to find, prepare for, or fulfill it.
3. Joseph's purpose was confirmed in two dreams. Joseph was going to need that reassurance and confirmation because of what he was about to go through. The clearer your call to purpose, the more you will need to hold on to that clarity in uncertain times.
4. His brothers and his father understood what the dreams meant. Often others can see your purpose more clearly than you can, so listen to what others say—but use that as a confirmation not as the final word. People can try to keep you from your purpose, just like Joseph's brothers did, so it's best to listen to others to hear purpose clues, but not to rely on their endorsement.

Have you had a purpose revelation? Has it been confirmed? Are you thinking you are too young (or too old)? Are others being supportive or oppositional? Does it seem like you have been in the preparation process to express your purpose for a long time? We will study Joseph for the next few weeks so learn from his example and determine you will be a person of purpose, just like he was, no matter how long it takes or what it costs.