Keeping God Close

Probably the toughest challenge we face as leaders “stuck” between the declaration of our destiny and the fulfillment of our destiny is managing our emotions. It’s not hard to become frustrated and let those frustrations get the best of us.

It happens to the best of us—even Moses. In Numbers 11 the Israelites were complaining about the manna the Lord was providing for them: “If only we had meat to eat!  We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.”

Moses was clearly frustrated. He told God, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

“Kill me”? Now that’s frustration! Unfortunately, Moses’ frustration with the Israelites (“Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” - Numbers 20:10) would lead him to an act of disobedience that would interfere with his destiny (Numbers 20:12).

Contrast that with Joseph. What helped him keep frustration at bay? He kept God close. In Potiphar’s house Genesis 39:2 says the Lord was with Joseph. In the prison, Genesis 39:21 says the Lord was with Joseph. In both places, Joseph was in unenviable situations and certainly far short of his destiny, but he kept the Lord close and the Lord prospered him.

In time, Joseph was brought before the Pharaoh himself; this was Joseph’s time to shine after years of bondage. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it” (emphasis added).

Joseph stayed close to God rather than seek his own desired end. “‘I cannot do it.’ He replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires’” (Genesis 41:15-16, emphasis added).

We know that Joseph correctly interpreted the dream. He was made second in command in Egypt, and subsequently his brothers bowed to him, just as he dreamed.

We can all reach the destiny we’ve dreamed of if we resist the temptation to act on our emotions and we act on behalf of our God.