Into a Diamond from a Dream They Tried to Kill

From the cistern pit, to slavery, to prison, to be exalted.

You’ve heard the saying “diamonds are made from pressure.” To be exact, diamonds are made from carbon deep within the layers of earth about 100 miles below the surface. The carbon must endure enough pressure below earth’s surface with a temperature of about 2,200 Fahrenheit to produce a diamond. It takes years for diamonds to form, they are also referred to in the Greek language as adamas, meaning indestructible or unconquerable. When I think of what it takes to produce a diamond I am reminded of Joseph. The favor of God was upon Joseph, his purpose was unconquerable and indestructible.

Because Joseph had dreams of his purpose and he told those dreams to his brothers he was hated. His brothers wanted him dead, they intended to kill him. Their father Jacob already loved him very much and it was very evident. To hear of Joseph’s dreams that he would be exalted only infuriated them more. His brothers threw him into a pit and then had him sold into slavery. He became Potiphar’s servant and then his wife lied on him and said he tried to violate her. Potiphar who was furious, had him thrown into prison for something he did not even do. In prison, Joseph helped out other prisoners. He helped the cup-bearer and chief baker of Pharaohs court. He interpreted their dreams and asked them not to forget him once they were released from prison. Well of course Joseph was forgotten until Pharaoh needed his dreams interpreted. Joseph interpreted the dreams from God letting Pharaoh know there would be a season of increase and then of famine. He instructed Pharaoh on how to store up during the season of increase to prepare for the famine.

Pharaoh appointed him in charge of the land for the wisdom God gave him. By doing this Joseph was able to help lead the people during a time of starvation and save many. His brothers traveled to buy food not knowing that their brother would be the one to help save them. Although it took Joseph time to reveal himself to his brothers, he did with a loving and forgiving heart. He not only made sure they had food, but he served them a feast, he clothed them, he gave them land to be near him so that he could provide for them. Joseph gave God the glory for interpreting dreams and for his journey though his journey was very devastating at times. He mourned the loss of his family, he experienced loneliness, hurt, betrayal, people forgot about him but God never forgot about him. In every circumstance God was there and protected him. Through it all God restored him and gave him so much more. The dream they tried to kill, God turned into a diamond. Joseph’s heart couldn’t be changed he remained faithful to God. He told his brothers:

Genesis 45:7-8

"God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So, it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt."

Don’t worry about who has betrayed you, forgotten about you, lied on you, and hurt you. Don’t worry about how you have been casted out by your neighbors and hated for no reason at all other than the favor God has given you. As a child of God there is only so much that can be done to you because you’re covered by the blood of Christ. When the pressure on your life increases that is because you’re headed to a season of increase. Let him exalt you and just like a diamond you will shine bright. It hurts now, it’s devastating now, but stay focused on the condition of your heart under pressure. Let your heart towards God be indestructible like Joseph.

Prayer Father in Heaven guard my heart when I face troubling times. Help me not to fall into sadness or hopelessness knowing that you are with me even when the pressure rises. Lord remind me to remain humble in my speech being mindful that the dreams you give me are for me to understand my purpose and not to boast about. Help me to know when to speak and when not to. Help me to understand that at the right time I can speak and it will be to glorify your name and not about my own advancement. Father, instill in me an indestructible heart towards you through your word that no matter what the enemy does to me I will always place my actions toward your will. ~ Amen