From Pit to Palace: God's Plan in the Midst of the Famine

Sometimes, the greatest lessons in discipleship aren't found in the moments of bright sunshine, but in the deep, echoing valleys of the unexpected. When we look at Joseph’s story, it’s a powerful reminder that even when we feel forgotten—like Joseph was in the pit, or perhaps like we feel when we’re struggling to find our footing in the covenant path—the Lord is working. He is preparing the way for a harvest of blessings we can’t yet see.

It’s easy, when we’re in the thick of missionary preparation, to focus only on the next appointment, the next lesson, or the next field day. We get so caught up in the immediate task that we forget the overarching narrative—the grand plan of the Father. Joseph’s life, as we saw in Genesis, is a masterclass in divine timing and divine redirection.

The Gift of Interpretation, Not Just Skill

What struck me while studying this week’s material was how Joseph repeatedly had to emphasize that his ability to interpret dreams wasn't a parlor trick. It wasn't the work of the Egyptian magicians, nor was it a natural skill he possessed. It was, time and time again, a gift from God. This is a vital principle for us as we serve in the Lord's vineyard.

When we are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time—whether we are in a formal missionary discussion, or simply having a quiet moment of scripture study with a friend—we must remember that our greatest tools are not our eloquence, our polished testimonies, or even our knowledge of the scriptures. They are the gifts of the Spirit, which we receive through consistent covenant keeping and sincere desire to be Christlike.

A Little Skill-Building for the Internet Missionary

As we continue to embrace being internet missionaries, we often feel the pressure to be instantly knowledgeable. But Joseph’s story teaches us patience. He was first sold, he suffered years in bondage, and *then* God elevated him. Our preparation isn't linear. There will be seasons of waiting, seasons of feeling overlooked, and seasons where we feel like we’re just doing the mundane work of showing up.

Here’s a small skill I want to pass along to you all this week, something I’ve been working on: When you feel discouraged or feel like your efforts aren't making a visible impact, pause and ask yourself, "What is the immediate, faithful action I can take *right now* that honors the covenant?" Don't wait for the promotion, the transfer, or the big breakthrough. Be faithful in the small, unseen acts of service—that’s where the Lord is building your capacity.

Joseph’s elevation came after he was entrusted with immense responsibility: managing the entire granary for seven years. He was trusted with the harvest, and that trust was a direct result of God's sustaining power in him.

Keep the Learning Going

If you want to dig deeper into how the scriptures teach us about divine providence and the pattern of overcoming adversity, I highly recommend revisiting the Book Club discussions on the Book of Genesis in LivingBook. The community feed there, especially the social scripture study highlights, has some incredible insights from returned missionaries who have walked this path. It’s a wonderful place to feel the weight of the Spirit alongside others.

And for those of you who are feeling the call to deepen your personal study, remember that Davee is here! If you’re wrestling with a difficult doctrinal question or anticipating a challenging question during future missionary discussions, don't hesitate to bring it to him. He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you sharpen your answers with grace and truth.

Keep pressing forward, my brothers and sisters. The Lord is orchestrating your story, too. He sees the famine coming, and He is preparing you for the abundance!