Before he fully awoke that morning, he felt his body ache. Then he remembered the hard surface he’d slept on. He opened his eyes to see a row of iron bars. Prison. Joseph awakened that day to a change of life seasons. Winter had returned.

A RECURRING SEASON

There were other winter seasons in his memory. Especially the day his hateful brothers—deciding not to kill him—sold Joseph to a band of passing slave traders. Fresher in his thoughts was the ongoing, attempted seduction by Potiphar’s wife. Then her lies that sent him to prison.

A winter season may progress. According to Genesis 37, first, Joseph’s brothers “hated him.” Later, they spoke of killing him. They put him in a pit. They eventually sold him. Likewise, in Egypt, the suggestive comments became “day after day” persistence (Genesis 39:7). The day he fled from Potiphar’s wife, leaving his coat in her hands, she falsely accused him.

A SEASON OF GOD’S GRACE 

As a child, Joseph lived in the sunshine of his father’s favor.  With each winter season, Joseph received help from his Heavenly Father.

The day his brothers wanted to do away with Joseph, God prompted his sibling Reuben to offer an alternative (Genesis 37:22). The day Joseph awoke in the Egyptian prison, God’s grace began guiding him through that winter season (Genesis 39:21-23).

• Winter is a season to pray

Joseph had time to pray in the pit. He had time to pray en route to Egypt. No doubt he earnestly prayed every day while Potiphar’s wife’s pursued him. He then had plenty of prayer time in prison. I believe that in those times, Joseph lived James 4:8– “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (ESV).

• Winter is a season to learn

Each of Joseph’s winter seasons demanded adapting to new circumstances. Young Joseph too quickly told his dreams, which angered his brothers (Genesis 37:6-8). As a slave, he learned humility. Serving in both Potiphar’s house and in prison, Joseph increased in responsibility.

A SEASON THAT ENDS

Any of life’s winter seasons may seem long, but none of them last forever.

Joseph’s relationship with God allowed the Lord’s grace to shine into his coldest days. While others controlled his actions, he lived the essence of Colossians 3:23– “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (NLT).

Serving in Potiphar’s house and in prison, Joseph honored God and God honored Joseph (Genesis 39:2, 21).

After Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and his baker, he asked the cup-bearer to remember him upon returning to serve Pharaoh. Two full years passed. Forgotten in prison, Joseph didn’t quit giving God his best.

When that winter season ended, God rewarded Joseph’s faithfulness. It appeared that Pharaoh elevated Joseph to the second highest position in Egypt. In reality, after Joseph prayed, honored God, and endured in his winter season, God promoted him.

Joseph exemplified I Peter 5:6-7. “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (NLT).

The Road Ahead:  A number of observations from Joseph’s winter seasons can help us face difficult days.

1. Winter isn’t life’s normal season. It doesn’t last forever. Use it to draw closer to God. You’ll rejoice in the springtime that follows.
2. Winter is a time to grow. It’s always right to ask, “Lord, what can I learn while in this season?” Joseph grew in humility and responsibility.
3. The winter season may call for you to forgive others. Joseph needed to forgive his brothers (for their hateful actions), Potiphar’s wife (for her false accusations), and Pharaoh’s cup-bearer (for forgetting him in prison for two years).

Further Fuel:  Isaiah 26:3; James 1:2-4; Psalm 75:6-7