Article January 19, 1929 Issue

Preparatory Waiting

MARTHA E. JERAULD

For the successful accomplishment of any kind of work there is need of careful preparation. For this reason children are sent to school, and young men and women spend years of study fitting themselves for some chosen life-work. The greater the work to be accomplished, the more rigid are usually the experiences and the longer the time needed for preparation.

An illustration of preparatory waiting may be found in the life of Joseph. When a mere lad he had dreams and visions of such a nature as marked him as one to whom some great life-work would be given. But he must be made ready; and as he grew to understand that his visions were a manifestation of God, divine Principle, to him, he came also to know that his preparation was governed by God's law.

Joseph's brothers, filled with hatred toward him because he seemed to be in greater favor than were they themselves, sold him; and so he found himself in Egypt. The service which he rendered Potiphar, his new master, was of the highest type. This proved his willingness to be obedient to God and to trust His guidance. Instead of being commended for his faithful service, however, through the malice of Potiphar's wife he was cast into prison. Can we imagine ourselves in Joseph's place? Are we held in bondage by some condition or bodily ailment? Do we stop to think that we too are being prepared for some higher work, something which we can do for the Father, and for which we need preparation; or do we fret, and resent the bondage in which we seem to be held?

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