Ignite Purpose: Joseph’s Story of Passion and Faith

How can I find my God-given purpose when life feels uncertain?

Finding your God-given purpose during uncertain times requires faith and trust in God’s plan. The Bible shows us through Joseph’s story that even in the darkest moments, God is working behind the scenes. Joseph endured betrayal and hardship, yet he stayed faithful, and in time, God revealed a greater purpose for his life. By seeking God through prayer, staying committed to the opportunities before you, and trusting that He has a plan, you can rediscover your passion and walk confidently in your God-given purpose, even when life feels unclear.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 39:1-6

“² The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. ⁴ So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.” (Genesis 39:2-4, ESV)

Introduction: What’s Your Passion Project?

Let’s talk about passion projects—the ones that make you come alive, the ones that remind you what life is about. Whether it’s a long-lost hobby or something new you’re curious about, passion projects can reignite your sense of purpose.

You may wonder, “What does Joseph have to do with passion projects?” Stick with me. Joseph’s story shows us how God can use even the most unexpected circumstances to reveal new passions and shape our destiny.

Joseph in Potiphar’s House: Thriving in Setbacks

When we last checked in with Joseph, he wasn’t exactly living the dream. And now Joseph has found himself in Egypt as a slave and servant in Potiphar’s household. Not the glamorous life he’d envisioned after his divine dreams of leadership.

But Joseph didn’t let his setbacks define him. Genesis 39:2 tells us, “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered.” Joseph found a way to thrive, even as a slave, by pouring his energy into managing Potiphar’s household. His attitude and determination to do his best in every situation set him apart.

Joseph’s journey teaches us that we don’t have to wait for ideal circumstances to pursue our passions. Sometimes, passion projects are born out of hardship or challenges. It’s in these moments that we can discover new interests or talents that God uses for a bigger purpose.

Turning Setbacks into Passion

Joseph had every reason to dwell in self-pity. His own family betrayed him, and his life seemed to be going in the opposite direction of his dreams. But instead of focusing on what he’d lost, Joseph made the best of his new reality.

Joseph took what was in front of him and made it a success. He turned his setback into an opportunity, managing Potiphar’s estate with such excellence that he earned favor and trust. Joseph didn’t wait for a better situation to arrive; he turned the situation he had into something meaningful.

Reflection:
When life takes an unexpected turn, how do you respond? Do you find yourself focusing on what went wrong, or do you seek out new opportunities to grow and develop? Perhaps there’s a passion or hobby you’ve put on hold because life got in the way. Now might be the perfect time to revive it.

Discovering New Interests, New Beginnings

Joseph’s role in Potiphar’s house didn’t just happen by chance. Although he wasn’t living out the leadership dreams he had in his youth, he found himself learning new skills—skills that God would later use for a much greater purpose.

Joseph developed talents in leadership, resource management, and decision-making, all while serving in a foreign land. This unexpected detour in Joseph’s life was preparation for something much bigger: his role in saving Egypt during a famine.

The lesson here? Sometimes, passion projects emerge from the most unexpected places. Maybe you’re in a season that looks nothing like what you imagined, but within it, you’re discovering new interests and strengths. God uses these seasons to prepare us for future opportunities we can’t yet see.

Historical Context:
In ancient Egypt, managing a household like Potiphar’s wasn’t a small task. Joseph would have been responsible for organizing finances, supervising servants, and ensuring the household ran smoothly. His ability to adapt and excel in this role, despite his lack of experience, is a testament to God’s ability to equip us for unexpected challenges.

Reflection:
Have you found yourself developing new skills or discovering new passions in a season of life that didn’t go as planned? How might God be using this time to prepare you for a greater purpose?

Reviving Old Passions: It’s Never Too Late

Maybe you have an old passion—something that used to light you up but that you’ve let slide as life’s responsibilities took over. Joseph’s story shows us that our original dreams don’t disappear when life takes a detour; they may just be on hold for a while.

Joseph’s original dream of leadership didn’t vanish when he was sold into slavery. It just needed time to mature and develop. His time managing Potiphar’s household was part of God’s preparation for the leadership role Joseph would eventually assume in Egypt. Similarly, the passions you’ve put on hold might be waiting for the right season to be revived.

God often uses the quieter seasons in our lives to prepare us for something bigger. Don’t dismiss the passions you’ve let go of—this might be the perfect time to rekindle them.

Reflection:
Is there a passion or interest you’ve put aside due to life’s demands? How might God be encouraging you to revisit that passion now? Take time this week to explore how you can integrate it back into your life.

Take Action: Rekindle Your Passion Project

Joseph’s story isn’t just about surviving setbacks—it’s about thriving and pursuing excellence, no matter the situation. Passion projects are one of the ways God reignites our energy and purpose, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Practical Steps for Rekindling Your Passion:

1. Identify What Brings You Joy: Reflect on the hobbies or interests that used to make you come alive. Write down one or two that you’d like to revisit this week.
2. Start Small: You don’t need to make drastic changes overnight. Set aside 10-15 minutes a day to work on your passion project, whether it’s writing, gardening, painting, or learning a new skill. The key is consistency, not perfection.
3. Trust God’s Timing: Joseph didn’t become the ruler of Egypt overnight. His journey was long, and much of it didn’t make sense at the time. Trust that the passion project you’re pursuing, even if it seems small now, could be part of a bigger plan.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for the end goal to celebrate. Every small step forward is progress, whether it’s finishing a small project or simply finding joy in the process.

Closing Thoughts: Passion Projects as Preparation

Joseph’s time in Potiphar’s house wasn’t wasted—it was preparation. God used that season to develop the skills Joseph would later need as a leader in Egypt. Your passion projects, whether big or small, are also part of God’s preparation in your life.

When you pursue your passions, you’re not just filling time; you’re participating in the development process that God is working in you. So, take the time to rekindle those old passions or dive into new ones, knowing that God is shaping your journey.

Action of the Day and Beyond
Think of a passion project you’ve set aside or one you’ve been wanting to start. Write it down, and commit to spending at least 15 minutes on it this week. You don’t have to perfect it—just start!

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the passions and interests You’ve placed in our hearts. Help us recognize the opportunities You give us to pursue these passions, even in seasons where life doesn’t go as planned. Just as You were with Joseph in every step of his journey, be with us as we rekindle old passions or explore new ones. Guide us, equip us, and remind us that You are preparing us for something greater. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, remember that passion projects, whether new or rediscovered, are more than just activities—they’re ways God ignites our sense of purpose. Like Joseph, who thrived in every season, we can trust that even in the detours, God is preparing us for something greater. Embrace this week with an open heart, ready to explore the passions He’s placed in you, knowing that every step is part of His perfect plan.