Why are you waiting?

Psalm 105:19

"Until the time came to fulfill his dreams ["His word"], the Lord tested Joseph's character."

I can see them now, the honey colored signs above the green chalkboard filling every classroom at Bob Jones University.  Each one of these signs had a quote.  My personal favorite: 

"The test of a man's character is what it takes to stop him." ~Dr Bob Jones Sr.

Oh how many quizzes, History of Civ packets, projects, and speeches that quote inspired me through I can't say. . . but I reminded myself of it often then and still do to this day.  I'm sure it even impacted one of my classroom guidelines - "Perseverance".

My recent chronological Bible reading has taken me to the Psalms.  Today's Psalms were full of the recounted history of Israel.  It was the above verse in Psalm 105 that struck me today.  Those familiar with Joseph's story know that his life had several years full of terrible events - from familial betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment.  Before those years, God had sent him beautiful promises of his life through dreams.  

Promise of beauty --> Tumultuous life events --> Bleak outlook

In that time frame: Why was Joseph waiting?

He was waiting because God was testing his character. Before God chose to use Joseph for His purpose, He was seeing what Joseph was truly made of.  

Why does God want to know our character? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that one day, I want to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your master."  

What events are opportunities for me to be a good and faithful servant?

We are all waiting for something - some dream still unfulfilled.  Maybe you're even waiting on a dream you think God has promised in His Word.  So remember Joseph today, and remember that God is seeing your character and faithfully seeing you through these days of waiting.

Psalm 107:43

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart.  They will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."